LAUSR

Background: Patients with antibody deficiencies might suffer from acute/chronic upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), despite apparently adequate levels of replacement IgG. This pilot study aimed to ascertain whether inhaled nebulized immunoglobulin (INHIG) could reduce the number of URTI episodes. Methods: Three young, male sibling patients with antibody deficiency who, despite ongoing treatment, were suffering from frequent URTI and recurrent otitis media. INHIG consisted of 4 ml intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG; 5%) nebulized with the eFLOW® nebulizer, twice daily. Data from meticulous infection symptoms diaries were used for analysis. Results: The patients tolerated the INHIG well; no adverse events were registered. The number of URTI was significantly decreased. Conclusion: In antibody deficient patients with URTI, INHIG reduces the incidence of URTI and may serve as a valuable physiological prophylaxis in the prevention of infections.