Subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy in pediatric primary antibody deficiency

Abstract

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) therapy is recognized as a standard treatment for primary antibody deficiency. SCIG is efficacious for the prevention of infections and is associated with a lower risk of systemic side effects, improved quality of life for patients and families and is preferred by children when compared with intravenous immunoglobulin replacement. For pediatric patients, SCIG is an ideal treatment modality that affords children and families more freedom and less disruption of important childhood activities. This article reviews the characteristics of SCIG to provide the pediatric practitioner with an understanding of the experiences their patients receiveing SCIG may encounter.