Successful IgM-enriched immunoglobulin treatment in severe COVID-19 pneumonia: a case report

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has turned into one of the most considerable challenges worldwide. The optimal treatment strategy, particularly in severely ill patients, is still unrecognized. IgM-enriched immunoglobulin (Pentaglobin®, Biotest AG, Dreieich, Germany) contains IgM, IgA and IgG against a variety of pathogens representing passive immune protection for affected individuals and it may be effective in the treatment of COVID-19. On March 16, 2020, a 32-year-old woman presented to Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran, Iran. On admission, the peripheral oxygen saturation (O2 Sat) was 84%. Spiral chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed bilateral ground-glass opacification (GGO) involvement. On March 19, 2020, the clinical condition was deteriorated, and her O2 Sat decreased to 70% in ambient air. Treatment with IgM-enriched immunoglobulin was immediately initiated over the course of three days (total dose for the patient was calculated to be 1500 ml). On the seventh day of hospitalization, the patient was discharged with satisfactory general condition, without any complaints, and with stable vital signs and O2 Sat of 95% on room air. In conclusion, IgM-enriched immunoglobulin could be considered as a potential option for the treatment of severely ill patients with COVID-19.

Keywords

• IgM-enriched immunoglobulin (Pentaglobin)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)