What is it about?
Diagnostic delay in antibody deficiency is very common. These patients have many lab tests done. We show how these tests can be used to identify unsuspected antibody deficiency.
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Why is it important?
Diagnostic delay increases morbidity and reduces quality of life. Opportunities to make the diagnosis are frequently are missed. We show how to reduce diagnostic delay for this group of patients.
Perspectives
Diagnostic delay of 4-6 years is average for patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (a primary antibody deficiency). During this time they suffer repeated infections and potentially end organ damage, e.g. bronchiectasis of lungs. These patients typically see doctors and have blood tests at these encounters many times. Using a simple algorithm based on local data in each centre it is possible to identify most patients with this disorder before it is considered by their doctor. This enables earlier effective treatment, fewer infections and better quality of life.
Professor Stephen Holding
Hull Royal Infirmary
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Using calculated globulin fraction to reduce diagnostic delay in primary and secondary hypogammaglobulinaemias: results of a demonstration project, Annals of Clinical Biochemistry International Journal of Laboratory Medicine, May 2015, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/0004563214545791.
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