Primary immunodeficiency diseases at reference and high-specialty hospitals in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico

Biomed Res Int. 2013:2013:187254. doi: 10.1155/2013/187254. Epub 2013 Sep 1.

Abstract

Background: In general, primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are underdiagnosed in most countries. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency and clinical spectrum of PID in the most important tertiary hospitals in our region.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, with retrospective chart, review study was conducted. A total of 26 patients were included and grouped according to the updated classification of PIDs.

Results: PIDs spectra were as follows: predominantly antibody deficiency diseases were the most common category (65.38%), followed by other well-defined immunodeficiency syndromes (11.55%), congenital defects of phagocyte number and/or function (7.69%), complement deficiencies (3.85%), combined T- and B-cell immunodeficiencies (3.85%), and defects in innate immunity (3.85%). The mean time elapsed from the onset of symptoms to the reference and diagnosis by a tertiary hospital was of 4.65 ± 6.95 years.

Conclusions: Predominant antibody deficiency disease was the most common group of PIDs, agreeing with international reports. Awareness of underdiagnosis by physicians is crucial for a prompt diagnosis and treatment, which in turn should improve the quality of life among patients with PIDs.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hospitals / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / epidemiology*
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / etiology
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / pathology
  • Male
  • Mexico / epidemiology