Quality of life and health-care resource utilization among children with primary immunodeficiency receiving home treatment with subcutaneous human immunoglobulin.
BACKGROUND
Among patients with antibody deficiency, patient-reported outcomes are important for choosing between equally effective treatment regimens.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
Switching to home-based subcutaneous IgG treatment led to significant improvements in quality of life and substantial cost savings.
Fasth
Anders
A
Department of Paediatrics, University of Gothenburg, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, SE-416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden. anders.fasth@gu.se
Nyström
Jeanette
J
D000293:Adolescent; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007223:Infant; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D009819:Office Visits; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D007136:Immunoglobulins