Clinical characteristics of pediatric patients evaluated for primary immunodeficiency.

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.