Recurrent infections of the upper aerodigestive tract in patients with primary immunodeficiency

• Published in: HNO 2019-11, Vol.67 (11), p.819-824
• Main Authors: Ickrath, P, Morbach, H, Schwaneck, E C, Gehrke, T, Scherzad, A, Hagen, R, Hackenberg, S
• Format: Article
• Language: ger
• ISSN: 1433-0458
• DOI: 10.1007/s00106-019-0683-x

Primary immunodeficiency is a rare disease of humoral and cellular immune defense, which can lead to severe and recurrent infections of different organs. The diagnosis of this disease is often difficult, and its early identification is necessary for adequate treatment and control. This study aimed to analyze ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infections in adults and children with a primary immunodeficiency. We attempted to characterize possible warning signs that should trigger an immunologic diagnostic workup. The current study comprised a retrospective case series of patients with primary immunodeficiencies. The type of immunodeficiency and the number of ENT infections were recorded. A total of 85 Patients were included in the study. 56 patients (66%) had an acute exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis (n = 28), cervical lymphadenitis (n = 16), acute tonsillitis (n = 14), and acute otitis media (n = 6). Reporting detailed information about the frequencies and dates of infections was not possible, due to the retrospective nature of the analysis. The prevalence of ENT infections in patients with a primary immunodeficiency is increased compared to the normal population. For the ENT specialist, these findings underline the necessity of including primary immunodeficiency in the differential diagnosis and initiating targeted diagnostic methods where indicated. Interdisciplinary collaboration with rheumatologists and immunologists is highly recommended, particularly for pediatric patients.