Hyperimmune IV Immunoglobulin Treatment of 2009 Influenza A(H1N1)

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We read the article by Hung et al1 in this issue of CHEST (see page 464) on hyperimmune IV immunoglobulin (H-IVIG) treatment for 2009 influenza A(H1N1) with great interest. They concluded that “treatment of severe A(H1N1) infection with H-IVIG within 5 days of symptom onset was associated with a lower viral load and reduced mortality.”1 Use of immunoglobulin treatment seems to be a new treatment of H1N1 influenza. It is mentioned as an additional therapy to the standard antiviral treatment.2 The present report showed a good clinical outcome: clearance of symptoms.