Introduction:

Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common symptomatic primary immunodeficiency in adulthood. It is characterized by heterogeneous clinical, immunological, and genetic manifestations and is therefore considered an “umbrella diagnosis”. Greater recognition and progress in the treatment of CVID has led to increased patient survival. However, human immunoglobulin replacement remains the first-line treatment. Acknowledgment of the patient’s perspective regarding health-related quality of life (QoL) as a factor influencing well-being in both physical and mental domains is emerging in healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate the QoL of patients with CVID undergoing intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy, applying the MOS SF-36 QoL questionnaire.

Methods:

We included 23 patients with CVID followed in the Allergy and Clinical Immunology department at the Unidade Local de Saúde Gaia-Espinho. The patients’ QoL questionnaire scores were compared with previously published reference values from a sample of the Portuguese population (n=2459). Scores of diferente QoL dimensions were analyzed regarding age, sex, age at onset of symptoms/diagnosis/current, recurrent infections, and comorbidities.

Results:

CVID patients showed a statistically significant decrease in the physical and mental domains. In the physical domain, patients expressed significantly lower scores in functioning and physical pain. The subgroup scores for mental health, social function, and vitality in the mental component also showed a significant decrease. There was no significant correlation between age at diagnosis, time until diagnosis, sex, and non-infectious comorbidities.

Conclusion:

CVID patients show a significant reduction in the physical and mental parameters of QoL. We emphasize the relevance of a multidisciplinary approach to assess their individual needs regarding the affected parameters.

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