Treatment of primary immunodeficiency with Kiovig: a literature review

Primary immunodeficiency disorders are associated with increased patient susceptibility to recurrent infections. Since the 1950s, immunoglobulin products have been administered to treat infections in primary immunodeficiency, and patients often require lifelong therapy. The aim of this study is to carry out a literature review of a ready-to-use 10% liquid immunoglobulin preparation, Kiovig (Baxter, Brussels, Belgium), in the treatment of primary immunodeficiency.

Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and EconLit up to January 2010. The clinical literature review focused on studies of the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of Kiovig. Evidence about cost-effectiveness was derived from economic evaluations. In addition, budget impact analyses were identified that examined the financial impact of adopting Kiovig for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency.

The evidence indicates that Kiovig and other intravenous immunoglobulin products have similar safety and effectiveness. Given that Kiovig and other intravenous immunoglobulin products appear to have similar effectiveness, the pharmacoeconomic value of Kiovig depends on the costs of immunoglobulin treatment, including drug acquisition costs, and pharmacist and nursing time costs. A Belgian study indicated that the price of Kiovig is the main driver of its budget impact on the treatment of primary immunodeficiency.

The current evidence base on the treatment of primary immunodeficiency with Kiovig is limited. Head-to-head comparative studies are called for to investigate the safety, tolerability, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of Kiovig versus other immunoglobulin products in the treatment of primary immunodeficiency.