[EFFICACY OF IVIG TREATMENT IN BRONCHIECTASIS ASSOCIATED WITH IGG SUBCLASS DEFICIENCY]

Bronchiectasis is characterized by an abnormal dilatation of the bronchi leading to a chronic inflammatory process, airway blockage and impaired clearance of secretions. The damage to the airways is usually progressive and is the result of several pathogenic processes. In the past, healing of infections (especially pulmonary tuberculosis) was the main cause of airway dilatation and progression of chronic inflammation. Today, congenital illnesses, anatomical defects and immune deficiency play an important role in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis formation. The immunoglobulin repertoire is vital for effective host protection against a wide variety of pathogens. Primary antibody deficiency diseases are defects of the humoral arm of the immune system and involve an absence/reduced levels of one or more immunoglobulin classes/subclasses or defects of specific antibody formation. Immunoglobulin G (IGG) subclass deficiency can occur in a healthy person and could be without clinical significance. However, in recent years there is emerging evidence that in patients with recurrent infections, early diagnosis of antibody deficiency affects the prognosis and prevention of ongoing lung damage. The use of IVIG has contributed significantly to the survival rate in primary antibody deficiencies. There is limited literature on the treatment of IVIG for patients with IGG subclass deficiency. However, all studies presented so far demonstrated that immunoglobulin therapy reduced the rate of bacterial infections, days of antibiotic usage, hospital admissions and significantly increased patients' quality of life. Therefore, in the appropriate clinical setting, ie: a patient with bronchiectasis and recurrent infections, it is justified to test whether there are humoral immune defects such as IGG subclass deficiency. In a patient with proven deficiency, we should recommend to start IVIG treatment until clinical benefit is achieved.