Experts Called for Better Immunodeficiency Diagnosis
Medical leaders highlighted the urgent need to identify secondary immunodeficiencies earlier to prevent permanent health damage.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Allergies
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Should medical systems prioritize increased awareness and earlier diagnostic testing for chronic immune conditions?
Health experts meeting at the ESID 2026 conference in the Netherlands urged for earlier diagnosis of Secondary Immunodeficiencies. New data indicates that many patients face significant delays in identification, often resulting in severe complications.
Why it matters
The rise of immunosuppressive and biologic therapies has increased the prevalence of Secondary Immunodeficiencies. Improved detection is critical to preventing recurrent infections and permanent physical damage that currently results from late-stage diagnosis.
A recent survey showed 50% of respondents were diagnosed after age 18, with 28% reporting permanent damage by the time of diagnosis. These findings highlight the impact of delays in identifying secondary immunodeficiencies.
The players
Kedrion Biopharma
This global biopharmaceutical company develops and produces plasma-derived therapeutic products for the treatment of rare diseases.
ESID
The European Society for Immunodeficiencies is an international organization dedicated to the study and treatment of immunodeficiencies.
The details
Secondary immunodeficiencies are becoming more common as the use of biologic and immunosuppressive treatments continues to expand. The MAPPA survey has now expanded from its original base in Italy to include data from Portugal, Spain, and Turkey to better understand the diagnostic landscape.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Experts gathered at the ESID 2026 conference in Maastricht.
The Big Picture
This report follows the momentum established by the global research findings presented at the ESID 2026 conference. The event serves as a critical benchmark for international efforts to standardize diagnostic timelines and clinical care for immune system disorders.
Patients undergoing long-term immunosuppressive or biologic therapies should consult their physicians about regular immune system monitoring. Increased awareness can help individuals advocate for earlier diagnostic testing to avoid the complications associated with delayed identification.
The takeaway
Early recognition of immune deficiencies is essential to mitigating the risk of recurrent infections and long-term organ damage. Individuals receiving biologic therapies should prioritize clear communication with their healthcare providers regarding new or persistent symptoms.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of immune health, visit Allergies.
Live Poll
Should medical systems prioritize increased awareness and earlier diagnostic testing for chronic immune conditions?
