Cost-Utility Analysis of Intravenous Immunoglobulin for the Treatment of Steroid-Refractory Dermatomyositis in Thailand

Abstract

The use of IVIG plus corticosteroids is cost saving compared with treatment with immunosuppressant plus corticosteroids in Thai patients with steroid-refractory DM. Policy makers should consider using our findings in their decision-making process for adding IVIG to corticosteroids as the second-line therapy for steroid-refractory DM patients.

Intravenous immunoglobulin is an effective treatment for refractory cutaneous dermatomyositis

“…Thus, IVIG treatment could potentially be associated with significant decrease in glucocorticoid‐ and immunosuppressive‐induced morbidity, which may translate into further healthcare savings favouring IVIG use. A recent study showed that IVIG plus glucocorticoids is cost‐effective for managing steroid‐refractory DM compared with immunosuppressive medications plus glucocortiocoids …”

“…A recent study showed that IVIG plus glucocorticoids is cost-effective for managing steroid-refractory DM compared with immunosuppressive medications plus glucocortiocoids. 20…”

Advances in Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Myositis Specific Antibodies Aid in Understanding Disease Heterogeneity

“…Using IVIG products that are low in IgA content may decrease these side effects (94). For steroid resistant patients with DM, the use of IVIG + corticosteroids was cost saving (95). Replacement IgG may be required, after rituximab treatment (see below) if the child develops a significantly low level of IgG (96).…”

Predictors of Hospitalization, Length of Stay, and Cost of Care Among Adults With Dermatomyositis in the United States

“…Previous studies have analyzed the costs of specific treatments associated with dermatomyositis , evaluated burden by different metrics, e.g., health resource and work loss , or measured costs in other countries . In addition, most of these other studies have evaluated aggregate burden of inflammatory myopathies (e.g., dermatomyositis and polymyositis) rather than dermatomyositis in isolation.…”