Resumen de Evaluation of the immunoglobulin use in a tertiary hospital
Celia González Guerrero, David Brandariz Núñez, Marc Enríquez Torres, Ingrid Gasó Gago, José Bruno Montoro Ronsano
Objective: To assess the indications for what intravenous immunoglobulin (IvIg)treatment was prescribed in patients older than 18 years in a tertiary hospital. The assessment also intends to ensure if the clinical indications matched with the evidence-based clinical guidelines recommendations of use.
Method: Analytical, observational, transversal and retrospective study carried out during 2012. Patients older than 18 years old were included, and the data collected were: age, sex, total number of administrations, dosage, frequency, commercial brand and the indication for what the IvIg treatment has been prescribed.
As a reference guide the British Health Department Clinical Guidelines for Immunoglobulin Use (2nd Edition, 2008, and 2nd Edition Update 2011) and its Spanish adaption were used.
Results: The IvIg treatment was justified by a grade of recommendation A, B or C in 69.96% of the indications. Thus in 28.57% (grey indications or unclear diagnosis) the IvIg use would be questionable because of its weak evidence. There were four indications (1.47%) for what the prescription of IvIg was clearly not recommended.
Conclusions: Need of consensus guidelines for IvIg use to guide doctors and pharmacists in their clinical practice. Moreover, it is important to prioritize which indications and circumstances are of first importance to have their supply guaranteed
