Replacement IgG therapy and self-therapy at home improve the health-related quality of life in patients with primary antibody deficiencies

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article describes the health-related quality of life and health of patients suffering from primary antibody deficiencies before and after the initiation of lifelong IgG replacement therapy, and before and after the introduction of home-therapy regime programmes. The importance of including patient-reported or parent-reported outcomes in evaluations of treatment and care of this group of patients is also discussed.

Recent findings: Recently diagnosed adults suffering from primary antibody deficiencies and not yet on IgG therapy report poor health and poor health-related quality of life as compared with healthy individuals. Weekly subcutaneous IgG infusions (100 mg/kg) significantly improve health and normalize health-related quality of life. IgG self-infusions at home further improve the self-reported health and health-related quality of life of both adults and children. Being able to self-infuse at home instead of visiting the hospital two to four times per month has been shown to increase the treatment satisfaction of both adult patients and their families, and to result in increased flexibility, independence and sense of self-control.

Summary: Adequate IgG replacement therapy means a dramatically improved life situation. Home-therapy programmes should be encouraged, as self-infusions at home further improve health-related quality of life and self-perceived health.