SCIG with Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase Is Safe and Preferred vs.IVIG by Some Multifocal Motor Neuropathy Patients
- By BSTQ Staff
A team of Dutch investigators enrolled 18 multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) patients on intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) treatment in a prospective open-label study to evaluate the comparative safety of treatment with 10% human immune globulin whose subcutaneous administration is facilitated with recombinant human hyaluronidase (fSCIG) (HyQvia).
Patients remained on IVIG treatment for three visits over 12 weeks, followed by a second 36-week study phase during which they received fSCIG treatment at an equivalent dose and frequency for three more visits, followed by self-administration of fSCIG at home. Outcome measures included safety, muscle strength, disability and treatment satisfaction.
Switching to fSCIG reduced the systemic adverse event rate (IVIG 11.6 vs. fSCIG 5.0 adverse events per person-year; p < 0.02), and increased the number of local injection site reactions (IVIG 0 vs. fSCIG 3.3 local reactions per person-year; p < 0.01). Overall, no significant difference in muscle strength or disability was found between IVIG and fSCIG. Citing improved independence and treatment scheduling flexibility, eight of the 17 patients (47 percent) who completed the study perceived fSCIG as optimal treatment, and all eight continued with fSCIG following study completion.
The investigators concluded fSCIG is a safe alternative for patients with MMN on IVIG treatment. Additionally, “fSCIG could be a favorable option in patients who prefer self-treatment and more independence, and in patients who experience systemic adverse events on IVIG or have difficult intravenous access.”
