Home treatment with intravenous enzyme replacement therapy with idursulfase for mucopolysaccharidosis type II - data from the Hunter Outcome Survey

OBJECTIVE: To use our experience with patients in the observational database HOS - the Hunter Outcome Survey - to evaluate the feasibility of home infusions of idursulfase for patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II).

STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected on or before 16 October 2009. Of 421 patients receiving idursulfase, 92 (21.9%) had received infusions at home or in an alternative, approved non-hospital environment. Information in HOS relating to the transition to home therapy was analyzed.

RESULTS: Patients started home therapy after a median of 9.0months of idursulfase. Most were aged 5-11years at transfer (45.7%; median age, 8.0years), but many (19.6%) were <5years of age. Patients had disease manifestations typical of the wider population; over one-third had cognitive impairment, in some cases severe. Illness was the most frequent cause of missed home infusions. Six patients stopped home therapy; four subsequently resumed home infusions. Five infusion-related reactions occurred in 2 of the 59 patients who had received home therapy for at least 12months. Reactions were classified as mild-to-moderate. All reactions that occurred at home were readily managed at home.

CONCLUSIONS: Providing appropriate factors are considered, it should be feasible for patients with MPS II, including those who are severely affected, to receive infusions at home.