PHILIPPINE PATIENT ORGANIZATION FOR PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCIES

INBORN ERRORS OF IMMUNITY (IEI)

OR

PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISEASES (PID)

 

PID are hereditary and genetic defects in the immune system that cause increased susceptibility to a wide range of infections. A PID often presents itself in the form of ordinary infection, which does not respond to treatment. Too often, physicians treat the infection, with repeated prescription of antibiotics, while missing the underlying cause, allowing the illness to recur, and leaving the patient vulnerable to vital organ damage, physical disability, and even death.

 

Early diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment enable people living with PID to lead normal productive lives whilst significantly reducing healthcare expenditure. Lack of awareness of PID remains a major issue, and due to this problem, majority of patients are diagnosed too late. Unlike other rare disorders, there are many effective treatment options for PID patients, which would enable them to carry out a normal life. PID affect at least 10 million people worldwide.  There are currently 200 identified PID conditions.

•  PID can affect anyone, regardless of age and sex.

•  PID vary in severity depending on whether one or several parts of the immune system are affected.

•  Current diagnosis levels suggest that around 1 in 8-10,000 people have a genetic primary immunodeficiency that significantly affects their health.

•  It is estimated that 70–80% of PID remain undiagnosed globally.

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A simple and relatively inexpensive blood test, complete blood count (CBC), can identify over 95% of PID patients