Comprehensive activities to increase recognition of primary immunodeficiency and access to immunoglobulin replacement therapy in Poland

Abstract

The study presents an overview on current situation of primary immunodeficiency (PID) patients in Poland and the 2014 annual report of the Polish Working Group for Immunodeficiency (PWGID). The group was set up in 2005 to improve diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with immunodeficiencies and currently includes 15 pediatric and 13 adult centers. According to PWGID report 4099, PID patients are recognized in Poland, with the prevalence 10.6/100,000. The majority of them (54.2 %) have predominantly antibody deficiency (PAD). In 2014 alone, a total number of 731 newly diagnosed individuals are reported. As predicted, the vast majority (70 %) of them have PAD. Approximately one third of PAD patients require immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Within the entire cohort, an intravenous route of immunoglobulin therapy dominates (67.3 %). However, within the age groups, distribution of immunoglobulin therapy varies and seems to be age related. Among children, 36 % receive subcutaneous immunoglobulin, while with adults 26 %.

Conclusion: Analysis of numbers of either newly recognized or treated patients indicates its dynamic increase in recent years. This is the result of comprehensive activities by PWGID supported by governmental institutions, outstanding foundations, and patient's organization.

What is known: • Immunoglobulins' treatment has substantially changed the life of individuals with PAD. Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) or X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) can live and lead a near normal life. Early diagnosis of the disease followed by earlier implementation of appropriate treatment, including gammaglobulin replacement therapy, improves the quality of life. • Targeted efforts of health care professionals and government are required to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic approach for PAD. What is New: • Comprehensive activities of PWGID lead to better recognition of PID individuals and should improve reporting Polish PIDs to the ESID database. • Following the joint efforts of immunologists, patient's, and governmental organizations in the end of 2014, the Therapeutic Program for Treatment Adults with PID was introduced, leading to universal access to currently available treatment options and to improve the quality of life.

Keywords: Antibodies; Autoimmunity; Immunodeficiency diseases; Inflammation.