Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy among pediatric patients: labeled and off-labeled indications

Authors

  • Chin Chiang Toh Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Faculty of Pharmacy
  • Farida Islahudin Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Faculty of Pharmacy
  • Adli Ali Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre; Faculty of Medicine; Pediatric Department
  • Noraida Mohamed Shah Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Faculty of Pharmacy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902018000100008

Keywords:

Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Off-label indications, Pediatric patients, Malaysia hospital

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate utilization patterns and clinical outcome of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy among pediatric patients in a tertiary hospital. Demographic data, IVIG prescribed, and clinical outcome were retrospectively reviewed from the pharmacy dispensing data and patient medical records between 2007 and 2014. One hundred and fifteen instances of IVIG administration to 108 pediatric patients were recorded. A total of 61 cases (53%) and 54 cases (47%) of the IVIG administered were for labeled and off-labeled indications, respectively. Age, weight, specialty, total IVIG usage, length of hospital stays, and mortality rate were found to be significantly associated with the indication being labeled or off-labeled (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in terms of adverse reactions between labeled and off-labeled indications (p>;0.05). Guidelines should be developed and implemented for rational and evidence-based use of IVIG to avoid unnecessary wastage.

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Published

2018-06-07

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy among pediatric patients: labeled and off-labeled indications. (2018). Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 54(1), e00008. https://doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902018000100008