Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: An Opportunity in Pediatrics for Improving Patient Outcomes.

Abstract

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs) are caused by inherent deficits in immune defenses that result in abnormal susceptibility to infection. In most cases, early and appropriate diagnosis can improve patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate understanding, recognition, and diagnosis of PIDD among pediatricians. A mail survey sent to a sample of pediatricians obtained from the American Medical Association and American Osteopathic Association. Results were compared with a similar survey of specialists who are members of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology. More than a third (35%) of pediatricians were uncomfortable with the recognition and diagnosis of PIDD despite 95% having ordered screening tests or referring patients to specialists to be evaluated for PIDD, and 77% having followed at leastone patient with PIDD. In all, 84% of pediatricians were unaware that professional guidelines for PIDD exist. Patients with PIDD would benefit from improved recognition of the diseases by pediatricians in order to facilitate earlier diagnosis and optimize ongoing therapy.