Efficacy, safety and quality of life in patients receiving subcutaneous IgG treatment: experience in Bogota, Colombia

Aim: Investigate efficacy, safety and quality of life of Gammanorm (R) 16.5% (subcutaneous immunoglobulin [SCIG]) in patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) and safety and to lesser extent efficacy in autoimmune diseases. Patients & methods: Medical records were extracted from 31 pediatric and 12 adult patients who received SCIG as part of the Personalized Program at University Children's Hospital, Bogota, Colombia. Results: Mean SCIG dose was 28.7 g/month. Serious bacterial infections were observed in 7/33 patients in the PID group, most often bacterial pneumonia (3/33). There were no serious adverse events related to SCIG treatment. Drug-related adverse reactions were reported in 2/43 patients. Conclusion: Self-administration of SCIG provided effective protection, favorable tolerability and improved quality of life in patients with PIDs and autoimmune diseases from Colombia.