Rituximab Monotherapy Is Effective as First-Line Treatment for Granulomatous Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (GLILD) in CVID Patients

Granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) represents a fatal immune dysregulatory complication in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Evidence-based diagnostic guidelines are lacking, and GLILD treatment consists in immunosuppressive drugs; nonetheless, therapeutical strategies are heterogeneous and essentially based on experts' opinions and data from small case series or case reports.We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line Rituximab monotherapy for CVID-related GLILD, by assessing symptoms and quality of life alterations, immunological parameters, pulmonary function tests, and lung computed tomography.All six GLILD patients received Rituximab infusions as a first-line treatment. Rituximab was administered at 375 mg/m2 monthly for six infusions followed by maintenance every 3 months; none of the patients experienced severe adverse events. Symptom burden and quality of life significantly improved in treated patients compared to a control group of CVID patients without GLILD. Rituximab treatment indirectly caused a trend toward reduced T-cell activation and exhaustion markers sCD25 and sTIM-3. Lung function improved in treated patients, with statistically significant increases in TLC and DLCO. Lung CT scan findings expressed by means of Baumann scoring system displayed a reduction in the entire cohort.In conclusion, first-line monotherapy with Rituximab displayed high efficacy in disease remission in all treated patients, with improvement of symptoms and amelioration of quality of life, as well as restoration of PFTs and lung CT scan findings.

Clinical Features, Immunological Characteristics, and Treatment Outcomes of Campylobacter spp. Infections in Patients With Common Variable Immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Campylobacter infection usually causes a self-limited clinical illness lasting 5 to 7 days, resolving without antimicrobial treatment in immunocompetent subjects. However, an inadequate immune response can lead to a prolonged and severe disease requiring antibiotics and more aggressive therapeutic approaches.

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively describe Campylobacter spp. infections in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 14 CVID patients with Campylobacter infection and 95 CVID controls attending the immunology clinic at a large tertiary hospital was assessed. Immunological, clinical, and microbiological parameters were measured with median follow-up over 20 years in both cohorts. Patients were treated according to a novel algorithm for Campylobacter in antibody-deficient patients.

RESULTS

Campylobacter patients had a higher proportion of CD21lowCD38low and transitional B cells (median 38.0% vs 14.2% and 5.4% vs 3.2%) and lower long-term average CD19+ B cells (median 0.06 vs 0.18 × 109/L) and CD4+ T cells (0.41 vs 0.62 × 109/L) in comparison with the controls. Similarly, Campylobacter patients showed a decline in B cells (median 0.02 vs 0.14 × 109/L), CD4+ T cells (0.33 vs 0.59 × 109/L), CD8+ T cells (0.26 vs 0.62 × 109/L), and natural killer cells (0.08 vs 0.18 × 109/L) over time. Antimicrobial resistance, especially to macrolides and fluoroquinolones, was common. Bacterial clearance with associated clinical improvement was obtained after a median of 20 and 113 days for acute Campylobacter (resolution within 3 mo of onset) and chronic Campylobacter (>3 mo) infections, respectively. Seven received first-line treatment (azithromycin or chloramphenicol), 4 second-line (neomycin), and 3 third-line (combination of tigecycline, chloramphenicol, and ertapenem; 1 received gentamicin owing to resistance to carbapenems).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights immunological and clinical characteristics of recurrent Campylobacter infections in patients with CVID. Our treatment algorithm was successful and should be evaluated in a larger cohort.

Common and Uncommon CT Findings in CVID-Related GL-ILD: Correlations with Clinical Parameters, Therapeutic Decisions and Potential Implications in the Differential Diagnosis

PURPOSE

To investigate computed tomography (CT) findings of Granulomatous Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (GL-ILD) in Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), also in comparison with non-GL-ILD abnormalities, correlating GL-ILD features with functional/immunological parameters and looking for GL-ILD therapy predictive elements.

METHODS

CT features of 38 GL-ILD and 38 matched non-GL-ILD subjects were retrospectively described. Correlations of GL-ILD features with functional/immunological features were assessed. A logistic regression was performed to find a predictive model of GL-ILD therapeutic decisions.

RESULTS

Most common GL-ILD CT findings were bronchiectasis, non-perilymphatic nodules, consolidations, Ground Glass Opacities (GGO), bands and enlarged lymphnodes. GL-ILD was usually predominant in lower fields. Multiple small nodules (≤10 mm), consolidations, reticulations and fibrotic ILD are more indicative of GL-ILD. Bronchiectasis, GGO, Reticulations and fibrotic ILD correlated with decreased lung performance. Bronchiectasis, GGO and fibrotic ILD were associated with low IgA levels, whereas high CD4+ T cells percentage was related to GGO. Twenty out of 38 patients underwent GL-ILD therapy. A model combining Marginal Zone (MZ) B cells percentage, IgA levels, lower field consolidations and lymphnodes enlargement showed a good discriminatory capacity with regards to GL-ILD treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

GL-ILD is a lower field predominant disease, commonly characterized by bronchiectasis, non-perilymphatic small nodules, consolidations, GGO and bands. Multiple small nodules, consolidations, reticulations and fibrotic ILD may suggest the presence of GL-ILD in CVID. MZ B cells percentage, IgA levels at diagnosis, lower field consolidations and mediastinal lymphnodes enlargement may predict the need of a specific GL-ILD therapy.

Evaluating Drug Prescription Patterns in Undiagnosed Common Variable Immunodeficiency Patients

OBJECTIVE

To compare the consumption of antibiotics (AB), systemic steroids, and inhaled bronchodilators/glucocorticoids in the 3 years preceding the diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) among CVID patients and matched controls and to estimate whether the level of consumption was associated with the risk of a subsequent CVID diagnosis.

METHODS

We conducted a nested case-control study, identifying all individuals (n=130 cases) diagnosed with CVID in Denmark (1994-2014) and 45 age- and sex-matched population controls per case (n=5850 controls) from national registers. Drug consumption was estimated as defined daily doses per person-year. We used conditional logistic regression to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In the 3 years preceding a CVID diagnosis, we observed more frequent and higher consumption of all three drug classes. The association between consumption and risk of subsequent CVID diagnosis was statistically significant for all drug classes. The association was stronger with higher consumption and shorter time to CVID diagnosis. The fraction of cases compared to the controls redeeming ≥1 prescription of the included drugs during the study period was higher for AB (97% vs 52%), systemic steroids (35% vs 7.4%), and inhaled bronchodilators/glucocorticoids (46% vs 11.7%) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

CVID patients have significantly higher use of AB, systemic steroids, and inhaled bronchodilators/glucocorticoids in the 3 years preceding CVID diagnosis than controls. Prescribing these drugs in primary healthcare could be an opportunity to consider (proactive) screening for CVID. Further studies are needed to identify optimal prescription cutoffs that could endorse its inclusion in public health policies.

Rituximab and improved nodular regenerative hyperplasia-associated non-cirrhotic liver disease in common variable immunodeficiency: a case report and literature study

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) associated liver disease is an underrecognized and poorly studied non-infectious complication that lacks an established treatment. We describe a CVID patient with severe multiorgan complications, including non-cirrhotic portal hypertension secondary to nodular regenerative hyperplasia leading to diuretic-refractory ascites. Remarkably, treatment with rituximab, administered for concomitant immune thrombocytopenia, resulted in the complete and sustained resolution of portal hypertension and ascites. Our case, complemented with a literature review, suggests a beneficial effect of rituximab that warrants further research.

Recurrent Campylobacter jejuni Enteritis in a Patient with Common Variable Immunodeficiency Over an Eight Year Period

BACKGROUND

In this case, we report multiple isolations of C. jejuni in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency between 2010 and 2018.

METHODS

C. jejuni was investigated in the stool samples of the patient by classical culture method using selective media under microaerophilic atmosphere. Antibiotic susceptibilities of the strains were determined by disk diffusion method.

RESULTS

Eight C. jejuni strains were isolated from the patient. All strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin. An erythromycin susceptible isolate was replaced by a resistant strain within a one- and four-month period. An erythromycin resistant isolate was replaced by a susceptible one within a year. The patient recovered all episodes by intravenous immunoglobulin replacement and antibiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged or recurrent C. jejuni infections should not be overlooked in immunosuppressed patients. The fact that antibiotic susceptibility may change should also be kept in mind.

Successful Treatment of Granulomatous-lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease in a Patient with CTLA-4 Deficiency

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) causes granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) and has a poor prognosis. We herein report a case of GLILD in a 49-year-old woman with CTLA-4 deficiency-associated CVID. The patient presented with dyspnea that had worsened over the past two years. A laboratory examination revealed hypoglobulinemia and pancytopenia. Chest computed tomography showed diffuse infiltrative and granular shadows in the bilateral interstitium. A flow cytometric analysis of blood cells and genetic testing confirmed CTLA-4 deficiency. We performed video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the pathological diagnosis of GLILD and to exclude infection and malignancy. Corticosteroid treatment successfully improved the condition of the patient.

Long Term Norovirus Infection in a Patient with Severe Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Norovirus is the most common cause of acute non-bacterial gastroenteritis. Immunocompromised patients can become chronically infected, with or without symptoms. In Europe, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is one of the most common inborn errors of immunity. A potentially severe complication is CVID-associated enteropathy, a disorder with similar histopathology to celiac disease. Studies suggest that chronic norovirus infection may be a contributor to CVID enteropathy, and that the antiviral drug ribavirin can be effective against norovirus. Here, a patient with CVID-like disease with combined B- and T-cell deficiency, had chronic norovirus infection and enteropathy. The patient was routinely administered subcutaneous and intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy (SCIg and IVIg). The patient was also administered ribavirin for ~7.5 months to clear the infection. Stool samples (collected 2013–2016) and archived paraffin embedded duodenal biopsies were screened for norovirus by qPCR, confirming a chronic infection. Norovirus genotyping was done in 25 stool samples. For evolutionary analysis, the capsid (VP1) and polymerase (RdRp) genes were sequenced in 10 and 12 stool samples, respectively, collected before, during, and after ribavirin treatment. Secretor phenotyping was done in saliva, and serum was analyzed for histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) blocking titers. The chronic norovirus strain formed a unique variant subcluster, with GII.4 Den Haag [P4] variant, circulating around 2009, as the most recent common ancestor. This corresponded to the documented debut of symptoms. The patient was a secretor and had HBGA blocking titers associated with protection in immunocompetent individuals. Several unique amino acid substitutions were detected in immunodominant epitopes of VP1. However, HBGA binding sites were conserved. Ribavirin failed in treating the infection and no clear association between ribavirin-levels and quantity of norovirus shedding was observed. In conclusion, long term infection with norovirus in a patient with severe CVID led to the evolution of a unique norovirus strain with amino acid substitutions in immunodominant epitopes, but conservation within HBGA binding pockets. Regularly administered SCIg, IVIg, and ~7.5-month ribavirin treatment failed to clear the infection.

One-year intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy: efficacy in reducing hospital admissions in pediatric patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity

OBJECTIVES

To compare the frequency of hospitalization in children with Inborn Errors of Immunity with antibody deficiency previous to intravenous immunoglobulin (pre- IVIG) with a one-year period after initial IVIG (post-IVIG).

METHODS

Medical reports of 45 patients during an eight-year period were reviewed from 2018 to 2019. Wilcoxon-test was used for related samples.

RESULTS

Forty-five children were included in the study, aged 29-249 months of age, and most of them (64.4%) were males. Median ages at onset symptoms and at diagnosis were 6 and 73 months old, respectively. Specific antibody deficiency and unclassified hypogammaglobulinemia were the predominant diagnoses (31.1% and 17.8%, respectively). X-linked agammaglobulinemia, Hyper IgE syndrome, Hyper IgM, transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, and Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) were also reported, in a low frequency. Forty-four (97.8%) patients were hospitalized before IVIG, and 10 patients (22.2%) after. Annual mean hospital admission reduced from 2.5 to 0.5, pre and post-IVIG, respectively (p < 0.0001). Mean length of stay (LOS) reduced from 71 to 4.7 days/year (p < 0.0001) in general ward and in the PICU from 17.2 days/year to zero (p < 0.0002). Pneumonia was the main cause of hospital admission with a reduction in the number of episodes per patient from an average of 2.2-0.1 per year (p < 0.001). Concomitant use of antibiotic prophylaxis did not influence the number of hospital admission.

CONCLUSION

One-year intravenous IVIG significantly decreased the number of hospitalizations and length of stay in children with impaired antibody production. Social and economic impacts would be required.

[Antibody deficiencies in adults. Forty years of follow up]

Antibody deficiencies (AD) are characterized by low or absent immunoglobulin levels or the inability to develop a specific antibody response. They are classified in primary (PAD) when there is an intrinsic immune defect, or secondary (SAD) to other diseases or drugs. The aim of our study was to review the evolutio n of AD assisted at the Immunology Unit, Hospital Durand between 1982 and 2020, divided into two periods: Period I (1982-2009) and Period II (2010-2020); to evaluate their growth, epidemiologic features and treatment options. A total of 205 patients were identified, 176 (85.8%) with PAD and 29 (14.2%) with SAD. The most frequent PAD were common variable immunodeficiency in 104 (59%) patients, X linked agammaglobulinemia in 17 (9.6%) and selective IgA deficiency in 26 (14.8%). Genetic defects were found in 25 (14.2%) patients with PAD. SAD cases were associated with rituximab in 21 (72.4%) subjects, haematological disease in three (10.2%) and with antiepileptic drugs in other three; 161 (78.5%) patients were treated with immunoglobulins, 140 (87%) PAD y 21 (13%) SAD; 152 (94.4%) received intravenous immunoglobulins and nine (5.6%) subcutaneous immunoglobulins. Thirty (19.7%) patients treated at first with intravenous immunoglobulins changed to subcutaneous formulations. The increase in number of patients between both periods was greater than 250%, and more than 700% in patients added per year. SAD growth was greater than twice times comparing with PAD. By the end of the study 125 patients continued in follow up, 80% PAD y 20% SAD and 14 died.

Clinical features and immunoglobulin replacement therapy outcomes of adults with common variable immunodeficiency: a single centre experience

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) characterized by defective immunoglobulin production is the most prevalent form of symptomatic primary immunodeficiency (PID) in adults. We aimed to reveal the clinical features of adults with CVID and to evaluate the effects of immunoglobulin replacement treatment (IRT) on hemato-immunological findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 26 adult patients receiving IRT. Two measurements of complete blood counts and major immunoglobulin levels measured at the beginning-end of follow-up period were used for comparisons. Lymphocyte subsets and B-cell subgroups were measured only at the time of presentation.

RESULTS

The most common complications were related to respiratory and digestive systems, and organomegaly. Chronic diarrhoea and low body weight were positively correlated with the percentage of CD8+ T cells (P=0.019 and P=0.003 respectively) but negatively correlated with the CD4/CD8 ratio and the percentage of CD19+ B cells (P=0.019 and P=0.005 for both parameters, respectively). At the end of period, the distribution of haematological parameters significantly improved, and immunoglobulin M (IgM) level increased to detectable levels (P=0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

There are apparent relationships among chronic diarrhoea and low body weight, and deterioration of T and B cell immunity in adults with CVID. IRT improves the whole blood parameters and stimulates IgM production. The later effect supports the immunomodulatory feature of this therapy.

Managing Granulomatous-Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease in Common Variable Immunodeficiency Disorders: e-GLILDnet International Clinicians Survey

Background

Granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) is a rare, potentially severe pulmonary complication of common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID). Informative clinical trials and consensus on management are lacking.

Aims

The European GLILD network (e-GLILDnet) aims to describe how GLILD is currently managed in clinical practice and to determine the main uncertainties and unmet needs regarding diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Methods

The e-GLILDnet collaborators developed and conducted an online survey facilitated by the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) between February-April 2020. Results were analyzed using SPSS.

Results

One hundred and sixty-one responses from adult and pediatric pulmonologists and immunologists from 47 countries were analyzed. Respondents treated a median of 27 (interquartile range, IQR 82-maximum 500) CVID patients, of which a median of 5 (IQR 8-max 200) had GLILD. Most respondents experienced difficulties in establishing the diagnosis of GLILD and only 31 (19%) had access to a standardized protocol. There was little uniformity in diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Fewer than 40% of respondents saw a definite need for biopsy in all cases or performed bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnostics. Sixty-six percent used glucocorticosteroids for remission-induction and 47% for maintenance therapy; azathioprine, rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil were the most frequently prescribed steroid-sparing agents. Pulmonary function tests were the preferred modality for monitoring patients during follow-up.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate an urgent need for clinical studies to provide more evidence for an international consensus regarding management of GLILD. These studies will need to address optimal procedures for definite diagnosis and a better understanding of the pathogenesis of GLILD in order to provide individualized treatment options. Non-availability of well-established standardized protocols risks endangering patients.

Immunoglobulins G modulate endothelial function and affect insulin sensitivity in humans

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Data from animals suggest that immunoglobulins G (IgG) play a mechanistic role in atherosclerosis and diabetes through endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance. Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), who have low circulating levels of IgG and are treated with intravenous polyclonal IgG (IVIgG), may provide an ideal model to clarify whether circulating IgG modulate endothelial function and affect insulin sensitivity in humans.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 24 patients with CVID and 17 matched healthy controls (HC). Endothelial function was evaluated as flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery at baseline and 1, 7, 14, and 21 days after IVIgG infusion in the CVID patients. We measured also plasma glucose, insulin, and calculated the HOMA-IR index. We also investigated the role of human IgG on the production of Nitric Oxide (NO) in vitro in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells (HCAEC). Compared to HC, FMD of CVID patients was significantly impaired at baseline (9.4 ± 0.9 and 7.6 ± 0.6% respectively, p < 0.05) but rose above normal levels 1 and 7 days after IVIgG infusion to return at baseline at 14 and 21 days. Serum insulin concentration and HOMA-IR index dropped by 50% in CVID patients after IVIgG (p < 0.002 vs. baseline). In vitro IgG stimulated NO production in HCAEC.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced IgG levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction and IVIgG stimulates endothelial function directly while improving insulin sensitivity. The current findings may suggest an anti-atherogenic role of human IgG.

Rifaximin alters gut microbiota profile, but does not affect systemic inflammation - a randomized controlled trial in common variable immunodeficiency

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients have reduced gut microbial diversity compared to healthy controls. The reduced diversity is associated with gut leakage, increased systemic inflammation and ten "key" bacteria that capture the gut dysbiosis (dysbiosis index) in CVID. Rifaximin is a broad-spectrum non-absorbable antibiotic known to reduce gut leakage (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) in liver disease. In this study, we explored as a 'proof of concept' that altering gut microbial composition could reduce systemic inflammation, using CVID as a disease model. Forty adult CVID patients were randomized, (1:1) to twice-daily oral rifaximin 550 mg versus no treatment for 2 weeks in an open-label, single-centre study. Primary endpoints were reduction in plasma/serum levels of soluble (s) CD14, sCD25, sCD163, neopterin, CRP, TNF, LPS and selected cytokines measured at 0, 2 and 8 weeks. Secondary endpoint was changes in intra-individual bacterial diversity in stool samples. Rifaximin-use did not significantly change any of the inflammation or gut leakage markers, but decreased gut microbial diversity compared with no treatment (p = 0.002). Importantly, the gut bacteria in the CVID dysbiosis index were not changed by rifaximin. The results suggest that modulating gut microbiota by rifaximin is not the chosen intervention to affect systemic inflammation, at least not in CVID.

Direct and Indirect Costs of Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia (XLA) in Italy

BACKGROUND

In Italy, there is scarce evidence on the epidemiological and economic burden induced by primary antibody deficiencies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to elaborate the available epidemiological and cost data in order to estimate the annual expenditure induced by the management of patients affected by the common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) requiring immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy.

METHODS

A probabilistic cost-of-illness model was developed to estimate the number of patients with CVID and XLA, and the economic burden associated with their therapy in terms of direct or indirect costs. A systematic literature review was carried out to reveal both epidemiological and economic data. Furthermore, a probabilistic sensitivity analysis with 5000 Monte Carlo simulations was performed.

RESULTS

The epidemiological model allowed us to estimate the number of prevalent patients affected by XLA and CVID in Italy in 2017, corresponding to 1885 (95% confidence interval [CI] 944-3145) and 133 (95% CI 115-152) patients, respectively. The estimated total expenditure for the treatment and management of patients with CVID and XLA requiring Ig replacement therapy amounts to €42.68 million (95% CI €14.38-€86.1 million).

CONCLUSIONS

This information provides a comprehensive perspective of the economic issues, and facilitates better-informed public health decision making, in the management of CVID and XLA in Italy.

Resolution of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis after Development of Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Purpose

To describe the occurrence of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) in a patient with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and JIA-associated uveitis.

Methods/Results

Case report. A 29-year-old woman was followed-up since the age of 10 years because of right eye JIA-associated recurrent anterior uveitis. She was treated with steroids and immunosuppressants with good control of uveitis and arthritis. At the age of 17 years, she did not experience any further relapse of uveitis or arthritis and both diseases were considered to be in remission. Concomitantly, she started to have recurrent infections and later she underwent splenectomy because of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Liver biopsy disclosed granulomatous hepatitis. She was ultimately diagnosed with CVID at the age of 23 years when her blood tests revealed neutropenia and severe panhypogammaglobulinemia. She has been treated since then with intravenous immunoglobulins with good control of the disease. Since the development of CVID, she has had no relapses of uveitis or arthritis during a follow-up period of 12 years.

Conclusions

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common primary immunodeficiency where defective antibody formation is the most common feature with B-cell differentiation failure. Ocular complications have been rarely documented and included bacterial conjunctivitis, retinal vasculitis and multifocal choroiditis. We herein report on the occurrence of JIA-associated uveitis as a comorbid manifestation of CVID. We speculate a role for B cells in the pathogenesis of JIA and JIA-associated uveitis here, as this patient had total remission of both conditions with the onset of CVID.

Respiratory Infections and Antibiotic Usage in Common Variable Immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) suffer frequent respiratory tract infections despite immunoglobulin replacement and are prescribed significant quantities of antibiotics. The clinical and microbiological nature of these exacerbations, the symptomatic triggers to take antibiotics, and the response to treatment have not been previously investigated.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the nature, frequency, treatment, and clinical course of respiratory tract exacerbations in patients with CVID and to describe pathogens isolated during respiratory tract exacerbations.

METHODS

We performed a prospective diary card exercise in 69 patients with CVID recruited from a primary immunodeficiency clinic in the United Kingdom, generating 6210 days of symptom data. We collected microbiology (sputum microscopy and culture, atypical bacterial PCR, and mycobacterial culture) and virology (nasopharyngeal swab multiplex PCR) samples from symptomatic patients with CVID.

RESULTS

There were 170 symptomatic exacerbations and 76 exacerbations treated by antibiotics. The strongest symptomatic predictors for commencing antibiotics were cough, shortness of breath, and purulent sputum. There was a median delay of 5 days from the onset of symptoms to commencing antibiotics. Episodes characterized by purulent sputum responded more quickly to antibiotics, whereas sore throat and upper respiratory tract symptoms responded less quickly. A pathogenic virus was isolated in 56% of respiratory exacerbations and a potentially pathogenic bacteria in 33%.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CVID delay and avoid treatment of symptomatic respiratory exacerbations, which could result in structural lung damage. However, viruses are commonly represented and illnesses dominated by upper respiratory tract symptoms respond poorly to antibiotics, suggesting that antibiotic usage could be better targeted.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin Monotherapy for Granulomatous Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease in Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous subset of immunodeficiency disorders. Recurrent bacterial infection is the main feature of CVID, but various non-infectious complications can occur. A 42-year-old woman presented with cough and abnormal chest X-ray shadows. Laboratory tests showed remarkable hypogammaglobulinemia. Computed tomography revealed multiple consolidation and nodules on the bilateral lung fields, systemic lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly. A surgical lung biopsy specimen provided the final diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disease in CVID, which was grouped under the term granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease. Interestingly, the lung lesions of this case resolved immediately after the initiation of intravenous immunoglobulin monotherapy.

Multiple Presentations of LRBA Deficiency: a Single-Center Experience

Introduction

LPS-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency categorized as common variable immunodeficiency associated with autoimmune manifestations and inflammatory bowel diseases; however, the clinical spectrum has been extended. Here, we present our cohort of Turkish LRBA-deficient patients from a single center, demonstrating a diversity of clinical manifestations.

Method

Seven affected individuals from five families were assessed retrospectively in this study.

Results

Of the seven patients with LRBA deficiency, four had homozygous, and two had compound heterozygous mutations. One patient remained disease free until the last follow-up (age 17 years). The most common clinical manifestations of the six symptomatic patients were organomegaly (6/6), autoimmunity (6/6), and chronic diarrhea (5/6). Recurrent infectious episodes were observed in three patients. None of the patients had hypogammaglobulinemia at presentation. B cell subpopulation analysis revealed low numbers of switched-memory B cell numbers in two of the four tested patients. During the disease course, three of the patients died, two of them underwent successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from matched sibling donors, and one is under abatacept therapy.

Conclusion

LRBA defects should always be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis for patients with autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs, chronic diarrhea, and organomegalies. In our experience, early HSCT is a life-saving therapeutic strategy.

Evolving spectrum of LRBA deficiency-associated chronic arthritis: is there a causative role in juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

Lipopolysaccharide-responsive, beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency causes common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) disorders and autoimmunity. LRBA deficiency has become a clinically variable syndrome with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. We report a patient with LRBA deficiency associated chronic non-erosive arthritis. This report highlights the spectrum of arthritis in such patients and the potential causative role of LRBA gene in juvenile arthritis.

Early onset steroid induced posterior subcapsular cataract in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency: case reports and review of literature

Purpose. To report early onset steroid induced posterior subcapsular cataract in a case of common variable immunodeficiency. Methods. Case report. Results. Here we report a 14-yearold male of steroid induced bilateral posterior subcapsular cataract in a common variable immunodeficiency patient with damaging mutations in Glutathione reductase gene, leading to hypersensitivity of patient to glucocorticoid (GC) products. Conclusions. In order to reduce the ocular side effects of the GCs there are some advisements, including a complete history, regular examination, GC should be prescribed in minimal dosage and minimal course, and as possible GC-sparing drugs should always be considered.

Multimodal Immunosuppressant Therapy in Steroid-Refractory Common Variable Immunodeficiency Sprue: A Case Report Complicating Cytomegalovirus Infection

Immunodeficient patients can develop malabsorption, mimicking celiac disease clinically and histologically. Such individuals may also occasionally require immunosup pressive therapy for autoimmune disorders. We have identified a patient with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)-associated sprue complicated by duodenal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection following corticosteroid and ancillary immunomodulatory therapy. Ganciclovir and a modification of the immunosuppressant regimen improved both clinical symptoms and villous atrophy. To our knowledge, this is original documentation of duodenal CMV infection secondary to immunomodulatory therapy for steroid-refractory CVID-sprue.

Inversion of the Vδ1 to Vδ2 γδ T cell ratio in CVID is not restored by IVIg and is associated with immune activation and exhaustion

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is defined by low levels of IgG and IgA, but perturbations in T cells are also commonly found. However, there is limited information on γδ T cells in CVID patients. Newly diagnosed CVID patients (n = 15) were enrolled before and after intravenous IgG (IVIg) replacement therapy. Cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells were then used to study γδ T cells and CVID patients were compared to healthy controls (n = 22). The frequency and absolute count of Vδ1 γδ T cells was found to be increased in CVID (median 0.60% vs 2.64%, P <0.01 and 7.5 vs 39, P <0.01 respectively), while they were decreased for Vδ2 γδ T cells (median, 2.36% vs 0.74%, P <0.01 and 37.8 vs 13.9, P <0.01 respectively) resulting in an inversion of the Vδ1 to Vδ2 ratio (0.24 vs 1.4, P <0.001). Markers of immune activation were elevated on all subsets of γδ T cells, and HLA-DR expression was associated with an expansion of Vδ1 γδ T cells (r = 0.73, P = 0.003). Elevated PD-1 expression was found only on Vδ2 γδ T cells (median 1.15% vs 3.08%, P <0.001) and was associated with the decrease of Vδ2 γδ T cells (r = -0.67, P = 0.007). IVIg had no effect on the frequency of Vδ1 and Vδ2 γδ T cells or HLA-DR expression, but alleviated CD38 expression on Vδ1 γδ T cells (median MFI 965 vs 736, P <0.05). These findings suggest that immunological perturbations of γδ T cells are a general feature associated with CVID and are only partially reversed by IVIg therapy.

Two young stroke patients associated with regular intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy

We recently experienced 2 young adult patients who developed ischemic stroke after regular intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy for agammaglobulinemia with diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) in their childhood. Patient 1 was 26-year-old woman, who developed Wallenberg's syndrome 6 days after the last IVIg therapy, but had no further stroke recurrence with cilostazol later. Patient 2 was 37-year-old man, who developed recurrent cerebral infarction in the territory of bilateral lenticulostriate branches like branch atheromatous disease (BAD) several days after the IVIg therapy. However, he had no further stroke recurrence after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) therapy for his lymphoproliferative disorder. It was suggested that IVIg therapy was associated to these different types of ischemic stroke in our 2 young adult patients with minimal vascular risk factors. Although IVIg therapy is widely used as a relatively safe medication for immunodeficiency disorders or autoimmune diseases, we need to pay more attention to stroke occurrence with regular IVIg therapy.

Intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy in common variable immunodeficiency induces B cell depletion through differentiation into apoptosis-prone CD21(low) B cells

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), besides its use as replacement therapy in patients with antibody deficiencies, is broadly used as an immunomodulatory agent for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. The mechanisms of action of IVIG include Fc receptor blockade, inhibition of cytokines and growth factors, modulation of macrophages and dendritic cells, enhancement of regulatory T cells, and modulation of B cells through the FcγRIIB receptor and CD22. Recent studies suggest that in vitro exposure of human B cells to IVIG determines functional changes reminiscent of anergy and that IVIG treatment of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) induces in B cells ERK activation, a feature of anergy. Here, we show that IVIG therapy drives the B cells of patients with CVID to down-regulate CD21 expression and to assume the peculiar phenotype of the anergic-like, apoptosis-prone CD21(low) B cells that are spontaneously expanded in a subset of CVID and in some other immunological disorders. The CD21(low) B cells newly generated after IVIG infusion undergo spontaneous apoptosis upon in vitro culture. Furthermore, IVIG infusion is rapidly followed by a significant, although discrete, decrease in the number of circulating B cells, but not of T cells or of natural killer cells. These findings suggest that IVIG therapy may constrain antibody responses by inducing B cell depletion through differentiation into CD21(low) B cells that undergo accelerated apoptosis.

Severe bronchiectasis in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis are common in Common Variable Immunodeficiency. These patients are prone to infection, leading to progressive lung destruction and accelerated FEV1 decline.

CLINICAL CASE

40 year-old man, with recurrent respiratory infections, autoimmunity and diarrhea since age 7. At 17 CVID was diagnosed and IVIgG was started. During the following years, respiratory symptoms progressively worsened and bronchiectasis was found on thoracic computed tomography. Bronchoscopy revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial secretions cultures. Eradication therapy led to clinical improvement.

DISCUSSION

This case report stresses the importance of regular microbiological screening and appropriate antibiotherapy. Early/aggressive treatment may significantly impact on patients' evolution.

[Common variable immunodeficiency can present as a multisystemic disorder]

Common variable immunodeficiency is the second most common primary immunodeficiency with a prevalence of approx. 1/10.000-50.000. The clinical challenge is early diagnosis and efficient supportive treatment. The purpose of the present article is to focus on the complexity of the disease, including the risk of a long pre-diagnostic period and to focus on the sarcoidosis-like variant and the possible impact of immunoglobulin subclass deficiency.

Efficacy of subcutaneous immunoglobulins in primary immunodeficiency with Crohn's-like phenotype: report of a case

Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is the most frequent primary immunodeficiency in adults. In CVID, the prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations ranges between 2 and 50% with a complication-related morbidity second only to that of the respiratory tract. In some cases, clinical and endoscopic features are undistinguishable from those of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We describe the case of a 28-year-old man in which a diagnosis of Crohn's disease was firstly suspected. Subsequently, a diagnosis of Crohn's-like disease in a patient with CVID was made and a replacement therapy with human normal immunoglobulin intravenously was started. Unfortunately, serum IgG levels remained below 2.0 g/l in pre-infusional controls with persistence of gastrointestinal symptoms and malnutrition despite anti-inflammatory therapy (mesalazine, corticosteroids). Then, the patient began treatment with human normal immunoglobulins administered subcutaneously. The follow-up visits showed a progressive increase in serum IgG. Moreover, the patient reported improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms with reduction of diarrhoea, and laboratory tests showed a progressive and significant improvement. We confirm that therapy with subcutaneously administered immunoglobulins is safe and effective. In addition, our observations indicate that, for patients with CVID and enteropathic complications, replacement therapy with subcutaneous IgG may be the treatment of choice.

A case of long-undiagnosed common Primary Immunodeficiency in adulthood

Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is one of the most common causes of Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PIDs) and of Primary Hypogammaglobulinemia in adulthood. Clinical features include variable combinations of infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, lymphoproliferative disorders and gastrointestinal diseases. In this case report, delayed detection of the disease had a negative prognostic impact, despite prompt antibiotic and replacement therapy. The unfavourable prognosis was due to multi-organ failure (namely lungs, heart and liver) and to a number of chronic and acute infectious diseases.

[Common variable immunodeficiency: a clinical challenge]

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) represents the most common clinically relevant form of primary immunodeficiency. This heterogeneous antibody deficiency syndrome is characterized not only by susceptibility to bacterial respiratory tract infections but displays additional signs of immune dysregulation, such as autoimmunity, chronic inflammation and lymphoproliferation in more than 30 % of the patients. Due to poor awareness the diagnosis is often delayed by 4-6 years. A close collaboration in patient care with a center specialized in primary immunodeficiency is recommended. Regular follow-up visits include assessment of adequate immunoglobulin replacement therapy and screening for manifestation of secondary complications. Regular substitution with intravenous or subcutaneous immunoglobulins has more or less normalized life expectancy of patients with isolated susceptibility to bacterial infections. Therefore, the current core task in the management of CVID patients is the elaboration of more effective and safer forms of prophylaxis and treatment of sequelae of immune dysregulation in the lungs, intestines and liver of affected patients.

[Estimation of glomerular filtration rate in adults with common variable immunodeficiency treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. What formula should we use?]

BACKGROUND

The common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by absence of isohemagglutinins and two standard deviations of normal levels of immunoglobulins. His treatment includes administering immunoglobulin, more frequently intravenous (IVIG). A side effect is the possible severe renal insufficiency secondary to the use of preparations containing sucrose. These patients have weight loss, decreased muscle mass associated with gastrointestinal disorders and bronchiectasis that limit physical activity and other factors. There are different formulas for determining the glomerular filtration rate, we compared the most commonly used to determine the most appropriate in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the correlation between glomerular filtration rate using the MDRD formula, CKD-EPI and Cockcroft-Gault and that obtained through the urine creatinine clearance 24 h in patients with common variable immunodeficiency who are treated with IVIG.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A transversal, observational and descriptive study that included 19 patients with common variable immunodeficiency, 12 women and 7 men, mean age 36 years, was done. Descriptive statistics with mean, median, mode and standard deviation was used. To measure the concordance of the measurements for quantitative variables intraclass correlation coefficient was used and to determine the correlation between the stages of renal function with different formulas kappa index was calculated.

RESULTS

The values of the intraclass correlation coefficient showed a good correlation between creatinine clearance in 24 h urine with CKDEPI, mediocre with MDRD and nil with the Cockroft-Gault formula.

CONCLUSIONS

Glomerular filtration rate obtained with CKD-EPI proved to be partially most useful, with a good correlation in relation to urine creatinine clearance in 24 h. Its routine use is recommended over other formulas in common variable immunodeficiency patients with suspected renal disease secondary to the use of IVIG.

Reactive neutrophilic dermatoses associated with nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome responded well to acitretin: four cases report

BACKGROUND

Recent articles have suggested an adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome that was described in HIV-uninfected adults with disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection and/or another opportunistic infection with concomitant reactive dermatoses. Few studies reported the drugs used to treat these reactive neutrophilic dermatoses including systemic steroid, etretinate, clofazimine, colchicine, and dapsone. This study aims to report the efficacy of acitretin for the treatment of this condition.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Four HIV-uninfected patients with disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection and the reactive dermatoses from department of internal medicine, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital between 2008 through 2011 were observed in the clinical presentation and course of disease including treatment and response.

RESULTS

All patients had at least one episode of reactive dermatoses with variable presentations comprising Sweet's syndrome with pustules, pustular vasculitis-like lesions, or generalized pustular lesions. Acitretin was prescribed to treat these reactive neutrophilic dermatoses. It showed a good response without side effects.

CONCLUSION

Acitretin, a second-generation retinoid, can be used for the treatment of reactive pustular lesions in the syndrome of adult-onset immunodeficiency due to its good response, being well tolerated, and without immunosuppression.

IVIg immune reconstitution treatment alleviates the state of persistent immune activation and suppressed CD4 T cell counts in CVID

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by defective B cell function, impaired antibody production, and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that poor antibody-mediated immune control of infections may result in substantial perturbations in the T cell compartment. Newly diagnosed CVID patients were sampled before, and 6-12 months after, initiation of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy. Treatment-naïve CVID patients displayed suppressed CD4 T cell counts and myeloid dendritic cell (mDC) levels, as well as high levels of immune activation in CD8 T cells, CD4 T cells, and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Expression of co-stimulatory receptors CD80 and CD83 was elevated in mDCs and correlated with T cell activation. Levels of both FoxP3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells and iNKT cells were low, whereas soluble CD14 (sCD14), indicative of monocyte activation, was elevated. Importantly, immune reconstitution treatment with IVIg partially restored the CD4 T cell and mDC compartments. Treatment furthermore reduced the levels of CD8 T cell activation and mDC activation, whereas levels of Treg cells and iNKT cells remained low. Thus, primary deficiency in humoral immunity with impaired control of microbial infections is associated with significant pathological changes in cell-mediated immunity. Furthermore, therapeutic enhancement of humoral immunity with IVIg infusions alleviates several of these defects, indicating a relationship between poor antibody-mediated immune control of infections and the occurrence of abnormalities in the T cell and mDC compartments. These findings help our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of primary immunodeficiency, as well as acquired immunodeficiency caused by HIV-1 infection.

[Clinical and therapeutic features in patients with common variable immunodeficiency from two third-level care hospitals from Mexico City]

BACKGROUND

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is one of the most common antibody deficiencies, is characterized by low serum immunoglobulins, defective antibody response and increased susceptibility to chronic and recurrent infections.

OBJECTIVE

we present the clinical findings of patients with CVID in two hospitals in Mexico City.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients who filled CVID criteria. We collected the following information, demographic data, age at onset, age at diagnosis, family history, infection, autoimmunity, lymphoproliferative disease, allergy, malignancy, immunoglobulin levels at diagnosis, route of administration, dosage and frequency of IVIG of each patient. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Amongst 26 patients who filled CVID criteria, 14 were men and 12 women. The mean diagnosis delay was 48 months (22-128), serum immunoglobulins at diagnosis in mg/dL were IgG 216 (114-316), IgM 21 (12-121), IgA 21 (6-26) and IgE 4.6 (1.8) IU/mL. 81% of patients suffered pneumonia. There was a decrease in the number of pneumonias before and after treatment with gammaglobulin (p = 0.028). 27% of the patients had autoimmune diseases, 35% allergies, 35% chronic diarrhea, 62% bronchiectasis, 73% chronic cough, 50% lymphadenopathy. One patient had lymphoproliferative disease and none developed malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the delay in the diagnosis and initiation of gammaglobulin replacement affects the occurrence of complications such as bronchiectasis.

Autoimmune phenotype in patients with common variable immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Autoimmune disorders occur with a higher incidence in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients than in the general population. To describe the clinical features of the autoimmune phenotype in patients with CVID.

METHODS

The hospital records of all diagnosed CVID patients referred to the Children's Medical Center Hospital in Tehran, Iran between 2000 and 2010 were reviewed. Patients were also classified according to the presence or absence of autoimmune disease.

RESULTS

Of 52 patients studied, 26.9% (n=14) had shown at least 1 autoimmune manifestation during the study period. Autoimmune cytopenias and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were the most common form of autoimmunity in our series. Autoimmunity was significantly associated with polyclonal lymphocytic infiltrative disorders (P = .017), increased serum Immunoglobulin (Ig) M levels (P < .001), decreased IgE values (P = .04) and diminished switched memory B-cell count (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Because autoimmunity is one of the first manifestations in CVID, humoral immune system tests should be considered in autoimmune patients with a history of recurrent infection. The presence of polyclonal lymphocytic infiltrative disorders and decreased switched memory B-cells may predispose CVID patients to autoimmunity.

[Common variable immunodeficiency]

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is one of the most common primary immunodeficiency (PID) that is categorized into primary antibody deficiency. Diagnosis is made by excluding all the other conditions and PID that lead to hypo-gamma-globulinemia. About 30-50% of the CVID patients show autoimmunity as well as malignancy in their course. Responsible genes identified so far include ICOS, TACI, CD19, CD20, CD21, CD81, BAFF-R, MSH5, PLCD2, and LRBA; and most of the CVID-causing genes are yet to be identified. It is of importance to develop appropriate diagnostic measure, establish CVID classification that would predict clinical outcome, identify the disease causing genes, and eventually to develop the optimal therapy.

Membranous nephropathy in a 13-year-old boy with common variable immunodeficiency

Various forms of hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients with autoimmune diseases and vice versa. We report a 13-yr-old boy with membranous nephropathy and common variable immunodeficiency. He presented with the nephrotic syndrome, pneumonia with bronchiectasis, and profound hypogammaglobulinemia. Renal biopsy showed diffusely thickened glomerular capillary walls with 'spikes' suggesting a membranous nephropathy. Secondary causes were ruled out by laboratory studies; however, heavy proteinuria persisted with steroid therapy. Cyclosporine and intravenous immunoglobulin were added, and the patient was discharged with decreased proteinuria. Hypogammaglobulinemia may have a deleterious impact on the immune dysregulation in some patients with membranous nephropathy.

[Recurrent infections in an ITP patient treated with rituximab]

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and recurrent infections. Various mechanisms have been implied in the disease pathophysiology. Patients with CVID are at increased risk of developing ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura) and/ or AIHA (Autoimmune Haemolytic Anemia). Rituximab, a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is increasingly being used for autoimmune cytopenias including ITP and AIHA. This is a case history of a patient treated with Rituximab due to refractory ITP. A year after completion of therapy the patient started suffering from an increased frequency of infections. Six years after treatment with Rituximab the patient was diagnosed with CVID and IVIG replacement treatment was started. The main possibilities that this patient presents include aggravation of CVID, first presented as ITP, after Rituximab treatment versus CVID secondary to Rituximab treatment.

Use of combination chemotherapy for treatment of granulomatous and lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)

PURPOSE

A subset of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) develops granulomatous and lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD), a restrictive lung disease associated with early mortality. The optimal therapy for GLILD is unknown. This study was undertaken to see if rituximab and azathioprine (combination chemotherapy) would improve pulmonary function and/or radiographic abnormalities in patients with CVID and GLILD.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients with CVID and GLILD who were treated with combination chemotherapy was performed. Complete pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans of the chest were done prior to therapy and >6 months later. HRCT scans of the chest were blinded, randomized, and scored independently (in pairs) by two radiologists. The differences between pre- and post-treatment HRCT scores and PFT parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seven patients with CVID and GLILD met inclusion criteria. Post-treatment increases were noted in both FEV1 (p=0.034) and FVC (p=0.043). HRCT scans of the chest demonstrated improvement in total score (p=0.018), pulmonary consolidations (p=0.041), ground-glass opacities (p=0.020) nodular opacities (p=0.024), and both the presence and extent of bronchial wall thickening (p=0.014, 0.026 respectively). No significant chemotherapy-related complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination chemotherapy improved pulmonary function and decreased radiographic abnormalities in patients with CVID and GLILD.

[Common variable immune deficiency: what you need to know]

Common variable immune deficiency is the most frequent primary immune deficiency, characterized mainly by a disorder of B lymphocytes differentiation and a deficit in immunoglobulins. The clinical manifestations include recurrent infections, non-infectious lung and digestive involvements, autoimmune diseases, and an increased susceptibility to cancers. Recent breakthroughs have been made in the understanding of some genetic mechanisms of the disease. Replacement therapy with intravenous immunoglobulins remains the treatment of choice, which allows significant improvement in the survival and quality of life. However progress should be made in the understanding of the pathophysiology and in the early detection of this disease, since a delay in the diagnosis may have harmful consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality.