Long-term Experience of Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Primary Immunodeficient Patients with Low and Normal Body Weight

Abstract Purpose: The aim was to review the compliance, side effects and effectiveness of SCIG supplementation in patients with PID who had previously received IVIG therapy and subsequently switched to SCIG, as well as to compare these parameters in patients while considering body weight. Methods: Demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, SCIG dose and side effects of 87 patients were retrospectively obtained from patient files.Results: Of the 87 patients aged between one and 22 years, 50 were male (57.5%) and 37 were female (42.5%). The serum IgG levels of the SCIG group were higher and more stable than those of the IVIG group. The number of hospitalizations and infections decreased significantly after initiation of SCIG. Thirteen patients (14.9%) had low body weight (LBW) for their age, seven of whom were male (53.8%). Serum IgG levels of the LBW cohort were significantly elevated and more stable during the SCIG period than the IVIG period. Mild, local side effects were detected in 153 administrations (3.3%) in 30 patients with normal body weight, while no local reactions were recorded in the patients with LBW. Conclusion: SCIG supplementation has become an effective treatment modality for pediatric patients and can be administered safely in LBW children with PID. The number of hospitalizations and family visits were reduced, allowing patients and their parents to continue their normal lives.