Use of non-specific intravenous human immunoglobulins in Spanish hospitals; need for a hospital protocol.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) use in non-approved indications, the increase in consumption and its high cost recommend rationalisation in its utilisation.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the use of IVIG in Spanish hospitals.


METHODS
An observational, prospective and multicentre drug utilisation study was conducted in 13 tertiary Spanish hospitals. Data were collected for 3 months in patients receiving any IVIG. Patient demographics, indication for IVIG use, dosage regimen and cost of treatment were collected.


RESULTS
Five hundred and fifty-four patients (mean age of 52 years) were included in the study. A total of 1,287 prescriptions were administered, and the average number of prescriptions per patient was 2.3. The mean daily dose was 24 g (range 0.6-90 g). Overall, IVIG was prescribed for authorised indications in 335 patients (60%) with 953 prescriptions (74%), for non-authorised indications with scientific evidentiary support in 86 patients (16%) with 137 prescriptions (11%), and non-authorised and non-accepted indications in 133 patients (24%) with 197 prescriptions (15%). The most frequent authorised indications were primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, and the most frequent non-authorised and non-accepted indications were multiple sclerosis and bullous dermatosis. The mean cost of IVIG per patient for authorised indications was 2,636.2 <euro>, non-authorised indications with scientific support 5,262.1 <euro> and non-accepted indications 3,555.8 <euro>.


CONCLUSIONS
IVIG is prescribed for a significant number of non-authorised and non-accepted indications with a notable cost. There is an important variability in IVIG prescriptions between hospitals, indicating room for improvement in IVIG use and the need for a consensus of protocol use.
Ruiz-Antorán
Belen
B
Clinical Pharmacology Department, Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital, C/ Manuel de Falla 1, 28222, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain. bruiz.hpth@salud.madrid.org
Agustí Escasany
Antònia
A
Vallano Ferraz
Antoni
A
Danés Carreras
Imma
I
Riba
Neus
N
Mateu Escudero
Silvia
S
Costa
Joan
J
Sánchez Santiago
M Blanca
MB
Laredo
Leonor
L
Durán Quintana
José Antonio
JA
Castillo
Juan Ramón
JR
Abad-Santos
Francisco
F
Payares Herrera
Concepción
C
Sádaba Díaz de Rada
Belén
B
Gómez Ontañón
Eugenio
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016527:Drug Costs; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D056687:Off-Label Use / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013030:Spain
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007155:Immunologic Factors