Express subcutaneous IgG infusions: decreased time of delivery with maintained safety

Clin Immunol. 2002 Sep;104(3):237-41. doi: 10.1006/clim.2002.5215.

Abstract

The aims of the study were to evaluate the safety and feasibility of weekly express subcutaneous replacement IgG self-infusions (E-SCIG, 35 mL/h/syringe driver) in 50 patients and to evaluate their perceptions of the therapy. A total of 4900 E-SCIG infusions at separate infusion sites were given on 1228 treatment occasions. The most commonly reported local tissue reactions were swelling (n = 37), redness (n = 25), and soreness (n = 24). A majority of these patients reported the local reactions as less intense or unchanged compared to those arising from rapid SCIG (20 mL/h) infusions. The patients reported a median score of 16 (visual analogue scale, VAS; 1, not troublesome at all) regarding their overall perceptions of the local reactions. They were positive toward the home therapy regime (median VAS score 96; 100, very positive) and anxious to continue with the E-SCIG infusions (median VAS score 98; 100, very anxious). The E-SCIG method seems to be safe, with few pronounced local reactions, and is appreciated by the patients. Express delivery could also potentially facilitate IgG delivery in a wide variety of diseases, such as autoimmune and autoimmune-like conditions of a neurological or rheumatological character.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / administration & dosage*
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Patient Compliance
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G