Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancing Allergic Rhinitis Research with Multicolor Immunofluorescence
Published on: September 22, 2023
Primary Antibody Deficiency in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Call for Immunologic Evaluation Prior to
Anita García Petersen1, Kasra Zainali-Gill2, Carsten Schade Larsen3
1Ear Nose and Throat Department, Lillebaelt Hospital Vejle, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark.
Objective:
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is prevalent and causes a great negative impact on quality of life. Primary antibody deficiency (PAD) is highly prevalent with CRS compared to the background population. There are efficient treatment options to consider when CRS is a symptom of PAD. The condition seems to be underdiagnosed.
Design:
A prospective cohort study investigating adults with CRS for PAD.
Results:
One hundred and thirty-eight patients were included in the study. Mean age was 49 years. Twenty-nine (21%) had hypogammaglobulinemia. Nine of 83 (11%) patients had insufficient response to pneumovax polysaccharide vaccine, but insufficient clinical history for diagnosis of Specific Antibody Deficiency (SPAD). Four patients met the clinical criteria for PAD; one had Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), one had IgA deficiency, and two had IgG subclass deficiency. No clinical characteristic was predictive of PAD, and severity of CRS was not indicative of hypogammaglobulinemia or insufficient vaccine response.
Conclusion:
Immunoglobulin testing should be a routine part of the diagnostic work-up in chronic rhinosinusitis before considering biologics, as primary antibody deficiency is an under-recognised but treatable cause of refractory disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...