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The following is a summary of “Immunoglobulin replacement therapy in patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies: impact of infusion method on immunoglobulin-specific perceptions of quality of life and treatment satisfaction,” published in the January 2025 issue of Allergy and Immunology by Mallick et al. 

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) is the standard care for primary antibody deficiency (majority of all primary immunodeficiency (PID) diseases) and is expanding for secondary immunodeficiency (SID). Infusion methods affect patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL). 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the impact of infusion methods on patient satisfaction and QoL in recipients with IgRT. 

They conducted an online survey of U.S. patients with PID and SID to evaluate the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) and subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The study focused on the Life Quality Index (LQI), infusion time efficiency, physical health (PROMIS GPH-2), mental health (PROMIS GMH-2), patient acceptability of their symptom state (PASS), upper extremity disability (Quick DASH), and general health perception (GHP). 

The results showed that among 990 patients (391 receiving IVIG and 598 receiving SCIG), patients with SCIG had a higher median LQI score (84.7) than IVIG patients (81.9) (P < 0.001), with significant improvements in 3 out of 4 LQI sub-domains. Patients with SCIG reported greater convenience and less disruption to daily life, scoring higher on convenience-related items, while no significant differences were observed in other PROs like PASS, PROMIS GPH-2, PROMIS GMH-2, and Quick DASH. Infusion times were lower for SCIG: pre-infusion was 22 minutes vs 63 minutes (P < 0.001), the infusion was 120 minutes vs 240 minutes (P < 0.001), and post-infusion was 9 minutes vs 31 minutes (P < 0.001). Additionally, patients with IVIG reported more interference with daily life, scoring 82 vs. 86 (P < 0.001). 

Investigators concluded that SCIG therapy resulted in higher patient satisfaction and quality of life compared to IVIG. Additionally, the findings suggested potential improvements in infusion time efficiency with SCIG. 

Source: aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-024-00939-y