{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.024164889836531627, 'fraction_numerical': 0.029850746268656716, 'mean_word_length': 4.940928270042194, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Intravenous immunoglobulin saves lives

Intravenous immunoglobulin is a treatment for sepsis; it’s recommended mainly for patients with toxic shock syndrome caused by a group A streptococcus. But a recent systematic review suggests that it could be useful for a wider range of patients. After pooling data from 20 randomised trials, the researchers report that intravenous immunoglobulin reduced overall mortality by 26% in a mixed population of over 2000 critically ill adults with sepsis (risk ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.89 compared with placebo or no treatment). This translates to one extra life saved for every nine patients treated (95% CI 4-15), a benefit that compares favourably with accepted treatments such as activated protein C. Intravenous immunoglobulin seemed to work best for sicker patients and those who had higher doses or a longer duration of treatment. The review was paid for by Ontario’s ministry of health and long term care, independent of any manufacturers. The authors say it’s time for a definitive large trial of intravenous immunoglobulin. Most of the existing trials were conducted many years ago and may not reflect modern intensive care practice. Few are a reliable source of information on side effects. If the review’s findings are confirmed, intravenous immunoglobulin could save an extra 20 000 lives a year in the United States alone. Ann Intern Med 2007;146:193-203