Jonathan Wong1, Erica M Wood1,2, Philip Crispin3,4,5, Robert Weinkove6,7, Zoe K McQuilten1,2. 1. Department of Haematology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 2. Transfusion Research Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 3. Haematology Department, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 4. Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 5. John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 6. Wellington Blood & Cancer Centre, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand. 7. Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acquired hypogammaglobulinaemia secondary to haematological malignancies is associated with increased infection risk. Immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement reduces major infections but not mortality, and is costly. No prospective randomised trials have compared Ig replacement with prophylactic antibiotics. AIMS: To identify variation in current practice regarding management of secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia in Australia and New Zealand, to identify barriers to best practice, and to inform the development of a clinical trial assessing antibiotic prophylaxis in secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of current clinical practice regarding management of secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia among haematologists in Australia and New Zealand. RESULTS: Seventy-two haematologists responded; 89% of whom reported commencing Ig replacement for secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia in the setting of recurrent or severe infection. Most monitored trough immunoglobulin G levels, most often 3 monthly. Criteria for stopping Ig replacement varied. Most respondents recommended influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, while only 21% reported using antibiotic prophylaxis. Few respondents (3%) reported prescribing prophylactic antibiotics before commencing Ig replacement. Most reported an interest in recruiting patients to a clinical trial comparing Ig replacement with prophylactic antibiotics. CONCLUSION: In comparison to limited international data, this survey finds variation in practice, which may be due to differences in local policies governing access to Ig. These findings highlight the need for research into the indications for Ig commencement and cessation, and will inform design of prospective trials of infection prevention in secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia.
BACKGROUND: Acquired hypogammaglobulinaemia secondary to haematological malignancies is associated with increased infection risk. Immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement reduces major infections but not mortality, and is costly. No prospective randomised trials have compared Ig replacement with prophylactic antibiotics. AIMS: To identify variation in current practice regarding management of secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia in Australia and New Zealand, to identify barriers to best practice, and to inform the development of a clinical trial assessing antibiotic prophylaxis in secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of current clinical practice regarding management of secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia among haematologists in Australia and New Zealand. RESULTS: Seventy-two haematologists responded; 89% of whom reported commencing Ig replacement for secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia in the setting of recurrent or severe infection. Most monitored trough immunoglobulin G levels, most often 3 monthly. Criteria for stopping Ig replacement varied. Most respondents recommended influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, while only 21% reported using antibiotic prophylaxis. Few respondents (3%) reported prescribing prophylactic antibiotics before commencing Ig replacement. Most reported an interest in recruiting patients to a clinical trial comparing Ig replacement with prophylactic antibiotics. CONCLUSION: In comparison to limited international data, this survey finds variation in practice, which may be due to differences in local policies governing access to Ig. These findings highlight the need for research into the indications for Ig commencement and cessation, and will inform design of prospective trials of infection prevention in secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia.