The following is a summary of “Effectiveness of immunoglobulin replacement therapy in preventing infections in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review,” published in the April 2024 issue of Allergy & Immunology by Kim, et al.

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy is a standard treatment for patients with antibody production deficiencies and is of particular interest to those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For a systematic review, registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021281118), researchers sought to evaluate the existing literature on the impact of immunoglobulin replacement therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with COPD with low serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels.

Literature searches were conducted from inception to August 23, 2021, in databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Data extracted included population details (sex, age, comorbidities), baseline clinical characteristics (pulmonary function test results, IgG levels), and outcomes (hospitalizations, emergency department visits). Title/abstract and full-text screenings were performed to identify relevant studies. The Cochrane Risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate randomized controlled trials, while the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) assessment tool was used for pre-and post-studies.

The preliminary search identified 1,381 studies, with 874 records screened after removing duplicates. Screening of 77 full-text articles resulted in the inclusion of four studies in the review.

The evidence regarding the efficacy of immunoglobulin replacement therapy in reducing the frequency and severity of acute exacerbations in COPD is inconclusive. Although current findings suggested potential benefits, well-developed protocols for administering immunoglobulin supplementation were needed for future randomized controlled trials to establish clearer outcomes.

Reference: aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-024-00886-8