Why the study?
The burdens and demographics of intravenous infusion practices for individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in the United States were not well-characterized.
Does self-infusion of alpha-1 antitrypsin therapy improve patient satisfaction and flexibility compared to clinic or home nurse infusion in patients with AATD?
Does self-infusion of alpha-1 antitrypsin therapy improve patient satisfaction and flexibility compared to clinic or home nurse infusion in patients with AATD?
Self-infusion of alpha-1 antitrypsin therapy is feasible and associated with high patient satisfaction and perceived benefits such as flexibility and time-savings.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Self-infusion feasible with high satisfaction in AATD; leaves open optimal practices and broader adoption before changing care.
Background: Currently approved therapies for individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) are intravenously infused products. The burdens and demographics of infusion practices in the United States are not well-characterized. Research Question: What is the prevalence of different infusion practices in the United States? Study Design and Methods: AlphaNet disease management participants completed a survey that captured current and past infusion practices. Data regarding the reasons for choosing their current infusion practice, problems with past infusion practices, resources required, and support services utilized were collected from February 8, 2022 through July 1, 2022. The perceived benefits of self-infusion included: (1) freedom and flexibility (77.9%), (2) ability to travel (44.5%), (3) avoidance of infusion clinics (41.8%), (4) time-savings (35.9%), (5) less absence from work (26.6%), (6) less exposure to infections (22.1%), and (7) less cost (16.4%). Self-infusion was done through permanent intravenous catheters in 41.2% and peripheral intravenous catheters in 58.3%. Self-infusers were more satisfied (93.1% "very satisfied") than other groups. Among individuals currently infusing with home nurses or in clinics, 21.4% would consider self-infusing in the future. Interpretation: Self-infusion of alpha-1 antitrypsin is feasible and associated with high satisfaction scores. Recommendations for catheter care, infusion support, and cost management are informed by survey results.
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Strange et al. (2023) studied this question.
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