Behandling med intravenöst immunoglobulin vid neurologiska sjukdomar. Deskriptiv studie av effekter ur patientens och sjukvårdens perspektiv

We studied medical records for out-patient treatments with intravenous immunoglobulins during 2005 at the neurological clinics in Skåne and evaluated patient opinions using a questionnaire. Of 64 patients, 10 had started their therapy during the period, and 14 had it terminated. In five medical records doctor had defined and documented a therapy objective at the start of therapy and in six cases there was no concordance between the physician and patient about the risk-benefit of the therapy and its continuation. In five cases the physician expressed that there were difficulties to evaluate the effect. Patients were able to mention symptoms that bothered most before starting treatment. Of all patients 70% had few symptoms left, 46% had at least moderate inconveniences and 88% considered their treatment important not to get worse. We conclude that intravenous immunoglobulin therapy effect is sometimes difficult to evaluate and communicate. Follow-up including treatment objectives could be helpful.