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Clinical characteristics of pediatric patients evaluated for primary immunodeficiency
Author(s) -
MacGinnitie Andrew,
Aloi Frank,
Mishra Seema
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2011.01167.x
Subject(s) - primary immunodeficiency , medicine , immunodeficiency , primary care , atopy , pediatrics , warning signs , allergy , immunology , immune system , family medicine , transport engineering , engineering
To cite this article: MacGinnitie A, Aloi F, Mishra S. Clinical characteristics of pediatric patients evaluated for primary immunodeficiency. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22 : 671–675. Abstract Objective: When to evaluate a child for possible immune deficiency is a challenge, as many children have frequent infections for which they are treated with antibiotics. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of children evaluated for possible primary immunodeficiency in a specialist clinic. We specifically aimed to evaluate widely promulgated ‘warning signs of primary immunodeficiency’ and to evaluate the relationship between primary immunodeficiency and atopy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 141 children who underwent testing for possible primary immunodeficiency was undertaken. Results: Thirty‐two (23%) children were diagnosed with an underlying primary immunodeficiency, and published warning signs were neither sensitive nor specific for primary immunodeficiency. Patients with allergy as determined by the presence of antigen‐specific IgE were more likely to be diagnosed with immunodeficiency. Conclusions: Widely promulgated warning signs did not distinguish between patients with and without primary immunodeficiency. Likewise, primary immunodeficiency and allergy may coexist.