Competency framework for immunology nursing (2023)
Working together as part of the BSI-CIPN, a project group of ten Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Specialists and Nurse Consultants working in Immunology around the UK have written this framework outlining the breadth of the Immunology nurse’s role. It covers the core skills and knowledge expected of an immunology nurse working towards expert practice, from newly entering into the speciality to undertaking nurse-led clinics.
Consensus guideline for the management of immunoglobulin replacement therapy (2022)
Currently, there is no guideline to support the use of immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) in primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders in UK. The UK Primary Immunodeficiency Network (UKPIN) and the British Society for Immunology (BSI) joined forces to address this need.
Consensus statement on managing non-infectious complications of CVID disorders (2019)
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) represents a heterogeneous group of rare disorders. There is considerable morbidity and mortality as a result of non-infectious complications, and this presents clinicians with management challenges. Clinical guidelines to support the management of CVID are urgently required. The UK Primary Immunodeficiency Network and the British Society for Immunology funded a joint project to address this.
Emergency treatment of peri-operative anaphylaxis: Resuscitation Council UK algorithm for anaesthetists (2023)
Peri-operative anaphylaxis is a rare but potentially catastrophic event which must be considered whenever unexpected and significant cardiovascular or respiratory compromise occurs during anaesthesia. The Resuscitation Council UK algorithm for peri-operative anaphylaxis highlights the importance of early intravenous adrenaline and fluid resuscitation and provides guidance on the treatment of refractory anaphylaxis and immediate follow-up. This algorithm is endorsed by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, Association of Anaesthetists, British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and Clinical Immunology Professional Network of the British Society for Immunology. This document was produced by the Perioperative Allergy Network steering committee in collaboration with the Resuscitation Council UK.
European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) guidelines
Patient-centred screening for primary immunodeficiency: a multi-stage diagnostic protocol designed for non-immunologists (2011)
Members of the ESID and other colleagues have updated the multi-stage expert-opinion-based diagnostic protocol for non-immunologists incorporating newly defined primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs). The protocol presented here aims to increase the awareness of PIDs among doctors working in different fields.
Publications and Guidelines contributed to by UKPIN
Liver disease predicts mortality in patients with XHIIM but can be prevented by early hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (2018)
X-linked immunodeficiency with hyper-IgM (XHIM) is a severe primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by low levels of, or absence of IgG, IgA, and IgE, with normal to raised serum IgM concentrations. Patients with XHIM have a combined immunodeficiency, resulting in recurrent bacterial and opportunistic infections. An appreciation of the true burden and nature of liver pathology in patients with XHIM has been limited; hence, this paper presents a detailed characterization of liver pathology in a sizeable cohort of patients with XHIM from several United Kingdom (UK) centers.
British Lung Foundation/UKPIN Consensus Statement on the Definition, Diagnosis, and Management of GLILD in Common Variable Immunodeficiency Disorders (2017)
A proportion of people living with common variable immunodeficiency disorders develop granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD). This paper aimed to develop a consensus statement on the definition, diagnosis, and management of GLILD.
C1 inhibitor deficiency: 2014 United Kingdom consensus document (2015)
C1 inhibitor deficiency is a rare disorder manifesting with recurrent attacks of disabling and potentially life-threatening angioedema. This paper presents an updated 2014 United Kingdom consensus document for the management of C1 inhibitor-deficient patients, representing a joint venture between UKPIN and Hereditary Angioedema UK.
Immunisation recommendations for children and adult patients treated with immune-suppressing medicines (2015)
This leaflet gives information about immunisations (vaccinations), which may affect you when you are taking medicines that act by suppressing the immune system.
Primary immune deficiencies – principles of care (2014)
The diagnosis of Primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) can be difficult due to lack of awareness or facilities for diagnosis, and management of PIDs is complex. This document was prepared by a worldwide multi-disciplinary team of specialists; it aims to set out comprehensive principles of care for PIDs.
Guidelines and protocols from other centres
Guidelines for Immunoglobulin Assessment Panels (2017)
Providing information and guidance to support the local implementation of Immunoglobulin Assessment Panels.
Management of 22q11 deletion syndrome in adulthood – advice for General Practitioners from the UK 22q11DS Guideline Group (2016)
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Clinical guidelines
Visit the GOSH website here to contact the relevant department for up-to-date information and advice.