The cost of treating immune thrombocytopenic purpura using intravenous Rh immune globulin versus intravenous immune globulin

Multiple factors, including efficacy, toxicity and cost, may influence the decision to treat immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) or intravenous Rho (D) immune globulin (IV RhIG). We conducted a survey of 50 hospitals in 31 states to determine the costs for treating ITP using conventional doses for IVIG or IV RhIG, based on package insert recommendations. The average cost for a dose of IVIG ($2,771) was 71.7% ($1,157) more than that for a dose of IV RhIG ($1,614). In the absence of clearly defined differences in clinical outcomes when treating ITP with IVIG or IV RhIG, the difference in cost may be an important factor in selecting the treatment.