Objective:

To report the case of an obstetric patient who developed septic shock secondary to a gastrointestinal infection, and the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as an adjunct, and to conduct a review of the published literature on the use of immunoglobulins in septic shock with emphasis on its use during pregnancy.

Materials and methods:

Case report of a patient with 36 weeks of gestation who presented with septic shock secondary to a gastrointestinal infection resulting in multiple organ failure. In view of poor response to treatment, adjunctive therapy with IgM-enriched immunoglobulin therapy was initiated, achieving good response. A search of the literature was conducted in the Medline, Direct Science, Cochrane Library and SciELO databases using Health Science Descriptors (DeCS) such as intravenous immunoglobulin and sepsis in pregnancy.

Results:

Six articles directly related to the use of IVIG in sepsis during pregnancy were found, including 1 review, 2 case reports and 3 diagnosis and management guidelines. Intravenous immunoglobulins have been used with greater frequency in non-obstetric patients in septic shock as an adjunct especially in streptococcal and staphylococcal in fections.

Conclusion:

Intravenous immunoglobulins could be an alternative as adjunct therapy in the management of septic shock in pregnant women who respond poorly to conventional treatment. Analytical studies including pregnant women are needed in order to confirm these findings.

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