Evaluation of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Usage in a Teaching Hospital: A Case Series Study in Kerman, Iran

Ali  Asadipour; Mahdieh  Moharamkhani; Hamidreza  Rashidinejad; Seyed Mojtaba  Sohrevardi

doi:10.18502/aptj.v4i1.16712

Ali Asadipour Pharmaceutics Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Mahdieh Moharamkhani Pharmaceutics Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Hamidreza Rashidinejad Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran.
Seyed Mojtaba Sohrevardi Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/aptj.v4i1.16712

Keywords: Drug Use Evaluation, Drug Utilization, Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Indications

Abstract

Background: Assessing the utilization of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is crucial due to its high cost and limited availability. IVIG preparations are utilized in various disorders. This study aimed to investigate the prescribing and consumption patterns of IVIG at Kerman Afzalipour Hospital and to propose strategies for reducing drug expenditures.

Materials and Methods: Over one year, physician orders and patient charts of individuals treated with IVIG were reviewed to collect data. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis using SPSS software.

Results: During the study period, 62 IVIG administrations were documented at the hospital, with 54.1% involving female patients. Of these, 51.4% were prescribed for labeled indications, while 48.6% were for off-label indications. No contraindications were observed, although precaution was warranted in 9.6% of cases, which was not consistently addressed, and laboratory parameters were not evaluated in any case.

Conclusion: This study reveals that IVIG infusions for off-label indications were nearly as frequent as those for labeled indications.