Dealing With Immunoglobulin Shortages: A Rationalization Plan From Evidence-Based and Data Collection.

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Public Health Policy
• Pharmacoeconomics

Background:

• Rising demand and supply challenges for immunoglobulins (IgGs) necessitate efficient management strategies.
• Analyzing IgG consumption and cost trends is crucial for healthcare system sustainability.
• Previous decade saw significant increases in IgG utilization and associated costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the decade-long evolution of IgG consumption and cost within a regional public health system.
• To describe clinical management measures implemented to control IgG use.
• To evaluate the initial impact of these management interventions on IgG consumption and cost.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective longitudinal study of patients across Catalonia's public health systems (2010-2021).
• Analysis of IgG consumption and cost data, comparing pre-intervention (2020) and post-intervention (2021) periods.
• Evaluation of regional measures based on evidence-based practices and computer registries.

Main Results:

• IgG consumption per 1,000 inhabitants increased from 40.4g (2010) to 94.6g (2021).
• Mean cost per patient rose from €10,930 (2010) to €15,595 (2021).
• Post-intervention, mean annual IgG consumption per patient decreased by 47g (p=0.03) and cost by €1,492 (p=0.027) in 2021 vs 2020.

Conclusions:

• Implemented regional measures led to a statistically significant decrease in annual IgG consumption and cost per patient.
• Evidence-based prescribing was achieved for 75.66% of treatments in 2021.
• Data registries and rational management plans are vital for controlling IgG use amidst growing demand and potential shortages.