Case series of COVID-19 outcomes in adult patients with inborn errors of immunity

Abstract

Background: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a main challenge for clinicians and public health decision-makers has revolved around risk stratification in vulnerable populations, in particular individuals with inborn errors of immunity (IEI). However, available reports of the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with IEI show wide variability, from a complete lack of symptoms to severe and complicated disease. Objective: To present the clinical features and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in adult patients with IEI. Methods: A retrospective chart review involving patient characteristics and clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 2021-July 2022. Results: Ten adult patients with IEI followed in our center were diagnosed with COVID-19, as determined by RT-PCR or rapid antigen test. IEI in this cohort included both humoral, combined immunodeficiencies and phagocytic defects, with an underlying lung comorbidity identified in 3 patients. Symptoms were mostly mild and self-limiting. No severe outcomes, complications or mortality were noted in this study. Conclusions: We suggest that patients affected by a wide range of both humoral and combined IEI may demonstrate resilience, while highlighting the possible protective effects of vaccination and immunoglobulin replacement in this population.