In children with inflammatory bowel disease, researchers sought to compare the prevalence of infusion reaction (IR) between infliximab (IFX) and infliximab biosimilar (IFX-abda) at standard and fast rates and assess the impact on health care costs (IBD). Over a 21-month period, records of participants who received IFX and IFX-abda were examined. In addition, demographic information and IRs were collected. The cost study used the average wholesale pricing, infusion length, nursing time, and infusion center throughput were all used in the cost study.

About 498 infusions were given to 56 patients. Around 16 people were given both IFX and IFX-abda. Thirteen IRs occurred, resulting in a 2.6% total frequency. One outlier patient accounted for eight of thirteen (62%) IRs. The data was examined both with and without the outlier. Standard rate infusion of both IFX and IFX-abda was related to an increased risk of IR as compared to rapid rate, but only for IFX when the outlier was eliminated. For both conventional and quick rates, the risk of IR was not statistically significant between IFX and IFX-abda. IFX-abda saved $2,611 on average for each infusion. Rapid infusion reduced infusion center appointment length by up to 2 hours per infusion and saved up to 70 minutes of infusion time and 20 minutes of estimated nursing time each infusion. Rapid IFX-abda seemed to be safe, with lower IRs and lower costs.

Reference:journals.lww.com/jpgn/Abstract/2022/05000/Rapid_Infliximab_Biosimilar_Infusion_in_Children.11.aspx

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