Hepatitis B Immune Globulin: Evaluation of Clinical Trials and Rationale for Usage

Abstract

The results of three clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and standard immune serum globulin (ISG) in the prevention of Type B hepatitis are presented in this issue. These well conducted studies have as their major strength rigid adherence to a randomized, double-blind, control protocol. In addition, the studies supported by the National Institutes of Health were continuously and closely monitored by a highly qualified policy board, and all candidate hepatitis cases were reviewed by an independent panel that did not have knowledge of treatment schedules. When viewed in composite, these studies suggest that HBIG . . .