Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
Farrukh Sheikh
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, KSA
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Pediatr Ther
Pakistan has one of the largest populations in the whole world. It also has one of the highest Consanguinity rates in the world. Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are a relatively common occurrence where consanguineous marriages are widespread. The aim of the current study was to interview a broad range of physician in Pakistan to assess their knowledge base regarding the diagnosis of primary immune deficiency. This was a cross sectional study. Random physicians were approached from different medical colleges and the attached hospitals in Pakistan. Physicians were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding PIDs awareness. The 10 warning signs of primary immune deficiency are well-known and well cited and were included in the questionnaire. Other questions were also asked regarding the family history of PIDs, etc. A total of 141 Healthcare providers took part in the survey. About 55% of the participants had not seen any patients with PIDs. 86% were not aware of the 10 warning signs of PIDs and 97% were not familiar with what kind of questions to ask for a PID family history. About 50% did not offer any treatments to their patients with PIDs. 61% thought that PIDs patients are always seriously ill. 84% thought that patients with PIDs should not receive any live vaccines. Lastly, 55% of those interviewed did not know where to refer a patient with PIDs. There is a great need for healthcare education regarding PIDs in Pakistan which has one of the largest proportions of this disease globally.
Sheikh is Diplomat American Board of Allergy & Immunology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. He is currently working as Consultant & Program Director, Adult Allergy & Immunology, Department of Medicine at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, KSA. He has established the first Adult Allergy & Immunology fellowship program in the KSA. He is also trying to establish the first Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases Centre in Pakistan. Sheikh has chaired and presented in many international symposia sessions. Dr. Sheikh regularly publishes in international peer reviewed journals.
E-mail: fsheikh96@kfshrc.edu.sa