Abstract
The European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) Primary Immunodeficiencies Care in Development Working Party was founded in order to improve diagnosis and care of patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). Immunoglobulins (Ig) are used as a replacement therapy in PIDs associated with deficiencies of antibody production [1].
The Working Party initiated a pan-European survey on the use and availability of Ig preparations in European countries for treatment of PIDs, which resulted in the Europe Immunoglobulin Map. In each European country, one contact person was appointed to answer the survey questionnaire.
Work on the map was initiated in 2006, and since 2011 a regular survey has reflected the development in Ig usage all over Europe. To date, we have information from 35 European countries.
The survey brings a unique and interesting view regarding Ig treatment for PIDs in individual European countries, and further shows the trends and changes in this area. Since 2012 the use of Ig treatment has increased, mainly in eastern European countries.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) products are available in all European countries, even if the spectrum of available preparations and the access of PID patients to IVIg therapy might differ. Some countries show limited availability in the spectrum of Ig preparations and some, mainly for economic reasons, are not able to comply with recommended dosing protocols.
Four countries report that they offer hospital and home-based IVIg treatment.