Differences in infusion time of intravenous immunoglobulin and patient quality of life in the treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy : a prospective survey

Abstract

Objective : This prospective, observational study aimed to investigate the infusion time and patient satisfaction with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) maintenance therapy in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

Methods : A total of 23 patients aged 20 years or older who received regular maintenance therapy with 5% IVIg (n＝10) or 10% IVIg (n＝13) were included. The infusion preparation and administration times were measured for both groups. Quality of life (QOL), treatment satisfaction, and work productivity impairment were also investigated.

Results : The total infusion time was approximately half for the 10% IVIg group compared to the 5% IVIg group (204 min vs. 437 min, p＝0.0026). The 10% IVIg group had a higher mean index value on EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5–level (EQ–5D–5L) than the 5% IVIg group (0.74 vs. 0.57) with better scores in all 5 dimensions. The treatment satisfaction scores and work productivity impairment were similar in both the groups.

Conclusion : Although the therapeutic effect of 10% IVIg was comparable to that of 5% IVIg, the shorter infusion time of 10% IVIg was considered to improve the QOL.