Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), the Aou and the University of Cagliari participated in a multicenter work, where several universities and research centers were involved, which confirmed how the management of the patient and the therapies available give an important aid in the treatment of this pathology.
CVID is a rare immunological disease caused by a defect in the production of immunoglobulins and affects approximately 14 out of 100 thousand individuals, mainly aged 20 to 40. The study, entitled “Lung function trajectories in Common Variable Immunodeficiencies: an observational retrospective multicenter study”, in which two immunologists and allergists from the Policlinico Duilio Casula, professors Davide Firinu and Stefano Del Giacco, also participated as authors, was published in the journal scientific The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
“Our study – say Firinu and Del Giacco – represents innovative and detailed research on the decline of lung function in patients with CVID. This pathology is often associated with infections and other respiratory symptoms that significantly influence the quality of life and survival of patients patients”.
“For the scientific and medical community, this work has a double impact – continue the immunologists at Duilio Casula – it represents the largest study ever conducted on the respiratory functional trend in CVID patients, providing new data useful for optimizing clinical monitoring and management personalized treatment of pulmonary complications. For citizens, this research brings greater awareness of the importance of respiratory monitoring in immunological diseases, the effectiveness of current therapies for this rare disease and the need for a preventive approach to preserve lung health.”
The understanding of the evolution of lung function over time was limited until now, say the two immunologists from the AOU of Cagliari, “and the most reliable data date back to an era in which even the available therapies were not very effective and survival was limited. Among The key findings that emerged were that 64% of patients had pulmonary comorbidities, and a significant minority had subnormal lung volumes. However, the rate of annual decline in lung function was not accelerated compared to normal, suggesting that the impact of CVID on lung function, although significant, is not necessarily faster today than in healthy subjects”.
The work, conclude the two professors, “has the objective of determining the measures of pulmonary physiology in CVID, their temporal trajectory and the association with clinical and immunological parameters. 185 patients from five Italian reference centers were analyzed for immunodeficiencies, using longitudinal pulmonary function tests and radiological examinations and standardizing the data according to the most recent guidelines”.
The researchers of the Aou Giulia Costanzo and Andrea Ledda (department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari), the specialists of the School of Specialization in Allergology and Clinical Immunology, and numerous experts from universities and hospital bodies in Padua, Treviso, Rome, Turin, Brescia and Southampton (UK).
What are the key challenges faced by patients diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) in terms of accessing effective treatments and managing their symptoms?
World-Today-News: Good day, Professor Firinu and Professor Del Giacco. Thank you for joining us today. Our first question is about your recent study regarding the treatment of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Can you tell us more about the findings and their impact on the management of this rare disease?
Professor Firinu: Of course! Thank you for having us. Our study confirmed that the management of CVID patients and the available therapies play a crucial role in the treatment of this pathology. We were able to show that the decline in lung function is not necessarily faster in CVID patients compared to healthy individuals, suggesting that current therapies are effective in mitigating the impact of the disease on the respiratory system. This finding is very important for both the scientific community and the patients themselves, as it provides a more personalized approach to managing pulmonary complications and improving their quality of life.
Professor Del Giacco: Exactly. Our work also highlighted the importance of regular respiratory monitoring in immunological diseases to prevent and manage potential complications. By understanding the evolution of lung function over time, we can optimize clinical monitoring and treatment strategies, which can ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients. The data we collected also suggests that early diagnosis and prompt intervention are key to preventing further damage to the lungs.
World-Today-News: That’s fascinating. Can you explain the rarity of CVID and how it affects individuals diagnosed with this condition?
Professor Firinu: CVID is a rare immunological disease, affecting approximately 14 out of 100 thousand individuals. Patients typically present with recurrent infections and other respiratory symptoms, which can significantly impact their quality of life and survival. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in managing these symptoms and preventing further complications. However, our study shows that the effectiveness of current therapies is reassuring, as we’ve seen an improvement in lung function in many patients.
Professor Del Giacco: Yes, early diagnosis is critical. Symptoms of CVID may be non-specific, so it’s essential for healthcare providers to have a high index of suspicion and consider immunological tests
