Subcutaneous immunoglobulin: opportunities and outlook

Misbah, S; Sturzenegger, M H; Borte, M; Shapiro, R S; Wasserman, R L; Berger, M; Ochs, H D (2009). Subcutaneous immunoglobulin: opportunities and outlook. Clinical and experimental immunology, 158 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), pp. 51-59. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.04027.X

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Immunoglobulin (Ig) administration via the subcutaneous (s.c.) route has become increasingly popular in recent years. The method does not require venous access, is associated with few systemic side effects and has been reported to improve patients' quality of life. One current limitation to its use is the large volumes which need to be administered. Due to the inability of tissue to accept such large volumes, frequent administration at multiple sites is necessary. Most studies conducted to date have investigated the use of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) in patients treated previously with the intravenous (i.v.) formulation. New data now support the use of s.c. administration in previously untreated patients with primary immunodeficiencies. SCIg treatment may further be beneficial in the treatment of autoimmune neurological conditions, such as multi-focal motor neuropathy; however, controlled trials directly comparing the s.c. and i.v. routes are still to be performed for this indication. New developments may further improve and facilitate the s.c. administration route. For example, hyaluronidase-facilitated administration increases the bioavailability of SCIg, and may allow for the administration of larger volumes at a single site. Alternatively, more concentrated formulations may reduce the volume required for administration, and a rapid-push technique may allow for shorter administration times. As these developments translate into clinical practice, more physicians and patients may choose the s.c. administration route in the future.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Further Contribution)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > Department of Head Organs and Neurology (DKNS) > Clinic of Neurology

UniBE Contributor:

Sturzenegger, Matthias

ISSN:

0009-9104

Publisher:

Blackwell Scientific Publications

Language:

English

Submitter:

Factscience Import

Date Deposited:

04 Oct 2013 15:14

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:22

Publisher DOI:

10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.04027.X

PubMed ID:

19883424

Web of Science ID:

000271416400007

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/32637 (FactScience: 197898)

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