Conséquences d’une pénurie de produits d’immunothérapie aux venins d’hyménoptères

Abstract

Aim of the studyTo assess the impact of the hymenoptera venom extract shortage announced in April 2018 at the Toulouse University Hospital. Patients and methodsMedical records of patients followed for venom immunotherapy, department schedules and pharmacy orders were reviewed. All patients were subjected to a telephone questionnaire, both patients having discontinued treatment as well as those having pursued venom immunotherapy (VIT). ResultsA total of 268 patients were included, 122 of them (46%) discontinued VIT including at least 60 (49%) for reasons related to shortage and 25 (20%) for reasons unrelated to the shortage; 37 could not be contacted. Among patients having discontinued VIT, 30 (50%) no longer wanted to resume their treatment (mainly due to constraints in relation with their geographical distance from the university hospital center). A psychological impact was noted in 83% of patients. Average costs for a patient who continued VIT were estimated at 137.2 euros per injection when considering loss of working time and transport. We observed an increase up to +135 consultations monthly for venom immunotherapy and the activity of the day hospital for VIT increased up to +337%, at the expense of the other conditions treated in this department. Increasing hospital costs for the acquisition of desensitization products have been observed of +2009% between 2017 and 2019. ConclusionThe impact of this venom extract shortage is medical with significant consequences on the care and quality of life of patients, but also logistical and financial for patients and for the hospital.