Quality of life and health-care resource utilization among children with primary immunodeficiency receiving home treatment with subcutaneous human immunoglobulin

J Clin Immunol. 2008 Jul;28(4):370-8. doi: 10.1007/s10875-008-9180-9. Epub 2008 Feb 7.

Abstract

Introduction: Among patients with antibody deficiency, patient-reported outcomes are important for choosing between equally effective treatment regimens.

Patients and methods: Twelve children (1.7-17.1 years) with primary immunodeficiency were switched from hospital-based intravenous IgG treatment to home treatment with subcutaneous IgG. Quality of life (Child Health Questionnaire) and health-care resource utilization were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months.

Results: From the parents' perspective, significant improvements were seen after 6 months for mental health (median difference; 95% confidence interval, 15.0; 0.0, 22.5); change in health (1.0; 0.0, 2.0); and family activities (12.5; 2.1, 25.0). From the children's' perspective, significant improvements were seen for role/social limitations-emotional at 3 (22.2; 11.1, 33.3) and 6 months (22.2; 11.1, 66.7) and global health at 6 months (35.0; 15.0, 55.0). There were no significant improvements in other concepts. Subcutaneous IgG treatment significantly reduced absence days, days spent on hospital/physician visits, and health-care-related expenses.

Conclusion: Switching to home-based subcutaneous IgG treatment led to significant improvements in quality of life and substantial cost savings.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase IV
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / administration & dosage*
  • Immunoglobulins / adverse effects
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / drug therapy*
  • Infant
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Male
  • Office Visits
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins