Background: Acute renal failure can be induced by intravenous administration of immunoglobulins, especially in patients with a predisposition for nephrotoxicity. The onset and resolution of acute renal failure is typically rapid, but in some cases hemodialysis may be needed.
Case report: We present 2 cases of acute renal failure associated with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy: a 76-year-old man with a history of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and hypertension and a 77-year-old woman using nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
Discussion: Intravenous immunoglobulins must be used with precaution in patients with risk factors for acute renal failure. In such patients, renal failure may be avoided by using preparations without sucrose.