Switch from intravenous to subcutaneous immunoglobulin IgPro20 in CIDP patients: a prospective observational study under real-world conditions

BACKGROUND: IgPro20 is the first approved subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) preparation for the treatment of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Two different doses of the SCIg preparation were investigated in the pivotal PATH study. Real-world data, and particularly the efficacy of an equivalent dose switch from intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) to SCIg, are still not available. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 41 patients with CIDP treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) were changed to an equivalent (1:1) dose of IgPro20 1 week after last IVIg treatment. Patients were examined at the time of switch from IVIg to SCIg, after 3 and after 6 months and efficacy, treatment preferences and systemic and local reactions were assessed. RESULTS: Various clinical outcome parameters demonstrated overall stability regarding disability, general activity and social participation, grip and muscle strength, as well as gait impairment. Treatment satisfaction remained unchanged between IVIg and SCIg therapy. However, 88% of patients favoured treatment with subcutaneous IgPro20 over IVIg 6 months after switch to IgPro20. CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate that the switch of IVIg to an equivalent dose of SCIg represents an effective and preferred treatment option for CIDP patients.