Biologic Agents and Secondary Immune Deficiency

Management of a Patient with Cardiovascular Disease Should Include Assessment of Primary and Secondary Immunodeficiencies: Part 2-Secondary Immunodeficiencies

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common chronic diseases, generating high social and economic costs. Secondary immunodeficiencies occur more often than primary ones and may result from the co-occurrence of specific diseases, treatment, nutrient deficiencies and non-nutritive bio-active compounds that result from the industrial nutrient practices.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to present selected secondary immunodeficiencies and their impact on the cardiovascular system.

RESULTS

The treatment of a patient with cardiovascular disease should include an assess-ment for immunodeficiencies, because the immune and cardiovascular systems are closely linked.

CONCLUSIONS

Immune system dysfunctions can significantly affect the course of cardiovascular diseases and their treatment. For this reason, comprehensive care for a patient with cardiovascular disease requires taking into account potential immunodeficiencies, which can have a significant impact on the patient's health.

Secondary Immunodeficiency and Risk of Infection Following Immune Therapies in Neurology

Secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs) are acquired conditions that may occur as sequelae of immune therapy. In recent years a number of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) has been approved for multiple sclerosis and related disorders such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, some of which are frequently also used in- or off-label to treat conditions such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), myasthenia gravis, myositis, and encephalitis. In this review, we focus on currently available immune therapeutics in neurology to explore their specific modes of action that might contribute to SID, with particular emphasis on their potential to induce secondary antibody deficiency. Considering evidence from clinical trials as well as long-term observational studies related to the patients' immune status and risks of severe infections, we delineate long-term anti-CD20 therapy, with the greatest data availability for rituximab, as a major risk factor for the development of SID, particularly through secondary antibody deficiency. Alemtuzumab and cladribine have relevant effects on circulating B-cell counts; however, evidence for SID mediated by antibody deficiency appears limited and urgently warrants further systematic evaluation. To date, there has been no evidence suggesting that treatment with fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, or natalizumab leads to antibody deficiency. Risk factors predisposing to development of SID include duration of therapy, increasing age, and pre-existing low immunoglobulin (Ig) levels. Prevention strategies of SID comprise awareness of risk factors, individualized treatment protocols, and vaccination concepts. Immune supplementation employing Ig replacement therapy might reduce morbidity and mortality associated with SIDs in neurological conditions. In light of the broad range of existing and emerging therapies, the potential for SID warrants urgent consideration among neurologists and other healthcare professionals.

Secondary immunodeficiencies: An overview

OBJECTIVE

To review the different causes of secondary immunodeficiencies and provide clinicians with an updated overview of potential factors that contribute to immunodeficiency.

DATA SOURCES

Recent published literature obtained through PubMed database searches, including research articles, review articles, and case reports.

STUDY SELECTIONS

PubMed database searches were conducted using the following keywords: immunodeficiency, antibody deficiency, immunosuppressive drugs, genetic syndrome, malignancy, HIV infection, viral infection, secondary immunodeficiency, nutrition, prematurity, aging, protein-losing enteropathy, nephropathy, trauma, space travel, high altitude, and ultraviolet light. Studies published in the last decade and relevant to the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and clinical characteristics of secondary immunodeficiencies were selected and reviewed.

RESULTS

Researchers continue to investigate and report abnormal immune parameters in the different entities collectively known as secondary immunodeficiencies. Immunodeficiency might occur as a consequence of malnutrition, metabolic disorders, use of immunosuppressive medications, chronic infections, malignancies, severe injuries, and exposure to adverse environmental conditions. The neonate and the elderly may have decreased immune responses relative to healthy adults. Each of these conditions may present with different immune defects of variable severity. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome results from infections by the human immunodeficiency virus, which targets CD4 T cells leading to defective immune responses. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 B cells, and its use might result in persistent hypogammaglobulinemia.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should consider secondary immunodeficiencies in the differential diagnosis of a patient with recurrent infections and abnormal immunologic evaluation. The use of biological agents for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and malignancies is an increasingly important cause of secondary immunodeficiency.

A Review of Vaccinations in Adult Patients with Secondary Immunodeficiency

Vaccine-preventable diseases and their related complications are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with altered immunocompetence. Optimised immunisation in this patient population is challenging because of limited data from vaccine trials, suboptimal vaccine efficacy and safety concerns. Reliable efficacy data are lacking among patients with altered immunocompetence, and existing recommendations are mainly based on expert consensus and may vary geographically. Inactivated vaccines can be generally used without risks in this group, but their efficacy may be reduced, and immunisation schedules vary according to local guidelines, age, and type and stage of the underlying disease. Live vaccines, if indicated, should be administered with care because of the risk of vaccine-associated disease. We have reviewed the current evidence on vaccination principles and recommendations in adult patients with secondary immunodeficiencies, including asplenia, HIV infection, stem cell and solid organ transplant, haematological malignancies, inflammatory bowel disease and other chronic disorders.