Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy Experience with Intravenous Preparation

Abstract

Objective: Intravenous immunoglobulin preparations have been used in the treatment of primary immunodeficiency for many years. Recently, immunoglobulin administration via the subcutaneous route has become popular. Subcutaneously administered immunoglobulin provides more stable serum immunoglobulin levels and has a lower incidence of systemic adverse effects than the intravenous route. This method increases the quality of the patient’s life by self administration or parental administration at home. Immunoglobulin preparations designed for subcutaneous administration have been available in Europe and the US since 2006. Although subcutaneous immunoglobulin preparations are not available in Turkey, the subcutaneous administration route has recently been included in the instructions of the three intravenous products with 10% concentration. Our aim was to use one of these intravenous immunoglobulin preparations via the subcutaneous route and describe its advantages and disadvantages. Materials and Methods: Six primary immunodeficiency patients were selected from our clinic. The procedure was described and informed consent obtained. They had been treated with intravenous immunoglobulin for the last few years. Their monthly immunoglobulin dosage was calculated and roughly divided into weekly doses. The first few administrations took place under medical supervision at the hospital until the patients and/or their family learned the procedure. Results: They were encouraging with fewer side effects, better life quality and lower infection rates in our small sample of patients. Conclusion: In this article, we describe our experience with 6 primary immunodeficiency patients of our clinic in whom we successfully used intravenous immunoglobulin preparation via the subcutaneous route.