Use of recombinant human hyaluronidase-facilitated subcutaneous immunoglobulin in elderly patients

Aim: Data on the real-world use of hyaluronidase-facilitated subcutaneous 10% immunoglobulin (fSCIG; HyQvia (R)) in elderly patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiencies (PID or SID) are unreported. This study determined real-world patterns from one administration of fSCIG. Materials & methods: In this retrospective, multicenter study, medical records of patients aged >= 65 years with PID or SID were reviewed. Results: The majority of patients (mean age: 69.9 years) with PID (n = 10) or SID (n = 6) self-administered fSCIG (200-350 ml) at home every 3-4 weeks using a single infusion site by infusion pump at rates up to 300 ml/h. Conclusion: This study provides initial real-world evidence supporting home-based, self-administration of large volumes of fSCIG in elderly patients with PID or SID.Lay abstract: Elderly patients may have physical difficulties and medical conditions that could challenge or limit the use of immunoglobulin therapy. Recombinant human hyaluronidase-facilitated subcutaneous 10% immunoglobulin (fSCIG) is a treatment that can reduce infections in people who have immunodeficiencies. fSCIG allows for self-administration of a large quantity of IgG, every 3-4 weeks, in the comfort of the patient's home. We report on 16 elderly patients with impaired immune systems who have received at least one treatment of fSCIG. We found that, similar to younger patients, older patients with impaired immune systems could be safely treated with fSCIG at home.Graphical abstract:[GRAPHICS].