Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: Rituximab intravenous (IV) infusions have a high risk of serious or fatal infusion reactions occurring within the first infusion. Recently published data suggest rituximab IV infusions can be administered over 60 minutes in patients receiving rituximab for oncology indications with no Grade 3-4 adverse reactions. A subcutaneous (SC) formulation of Rituxan Hycela administered over 5 to 7 minutes is also available. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to identify veterans at San Francisco Veterans Affair Health Care System (SFVAHCS) who would be eligible to receive 60-minute IV infusions and/or SC, potentially benefiting both patients and staff time.
Methods: This retrospective database quality improvement project was approved in accordance with the SFVAHCS research and development committee. This evaluation will be performed by identifying 100 patients who received at least two rituximab IV infusions for oncology indications within SFVAHCS from 8/1/2013 to 7/31/2018. Patients will be excluded from the project if rituximab was given for non-oncological indications. A retrospective analysis of electronic medical records will be completed to see if the patients experienced any adverse reactions during their first and subsequent rituximab infusions. The following data will be collected: demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, body surface area), rituximab regimen, infusion rates and duration, concurrent chemotherapy agents, labs, vitals, pre-medications, and infusion-related reactions. A cost-savings analysis will be performed to determine costs for standard IV infusion rates, 60-minute IV rate, and subcutaneous injections. The findings will help to create clinical guidance for 60-minute IV infusions and subcutaneous injections.
Results: Not Applicable
Conclusion: Not Applicable
Stephanie Wong
– PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, San Francisco Veterans Affair Health Care System, Daly City, CA135 Views