Health UPdates Webinar #236 Immune System: “Hindi Lang Proteksyon sa Impeksyon”

The University of the Philippines,
in partnership with the UP Manila – National Institutes of Health,
and in cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital and UP College of Medicine,
would like to invite you to attend this webinar!

Registration slots are limited to this HEALTH UPDATES webinar
So sign up NOW:
bit.ly/HealthUpdatesWebinar236

Webinar #236
May 2, 2025 (Friday), 12:00 noon
Immune System: Hindi Lang Proteksyon sa Impeksyon

Presenter:
DR. FATIMA JOHANNA SANTOS-OCAMPO
Head, Council of Inborn Errors of Immunity, Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI)
Founding Member, Asia Pacific Society for Immunodeficiencies (APSID)
Founding Member, Southeast Asia Primary Immunodeficiency Network (SEAPID)
Head, Immunology Section, Makati Medical Center
Active Consultant, Asian Hospital and Medical Center

Reactor:
MR. MIGUEL CARAG
Patient perspective

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Webinar #236
May 2, 2025 (Friday), 12:00 noon
Immune System: Hindi Lang Proteksyon sa Impeksyon

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI), also known as primary immunodeficiencies, represent a heterogeneous group of over 500 genetic disorders that disrupt the normal development and/or function of the immune system. These conditions can manifest with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from subtle, recurrent infections to severe, life-threatening immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and autoinflammation. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis of IEI are paramount, as timely intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce morbidity and mortality, and enhance the overall quality of life. However, the rarity and diverse clinical phenotypes of these disorders often pose significant diagnostic challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings.

This week’s episode is designed to address this critical need by providing a comprehensive yet accessible overview of inborn errors of immunity. We will attempt to demystify the complexities of IEI and empower attendees with the knowledge and practical insights necessary for improved patient care.

Our main speaker this week is Dr. Fatima Johanna Santos-Ocampo, who is the Head of the Council of Inborn Errors of Immunity of the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI). She is also a founding member of the Asia Pacific Society for Immunodeficiencies (APSID) as well as the Southeast Asia Primary Immunodeficiency Network (SEAPID). She also serves as the head of the Immunology Section at Makati Medical Center. Our reactor is Mr. Miguel Carag, who will share his personal journey as an IEI patient.

Our speakers will share their knowledge on the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and current management strategies for various categories of IEI. We will discuss the fundamental principles of immune system development and function, elucidating how specific genetic defects can lead to immune dysregulation. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing the “red flags” of IEI, which are subtle yet persistent clinical clues that should prompt further investigation. We will also provide practical guidance on initial screening tests, referral pathways, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to patient management. In addition, this webinar will offer a unique and invaluable perspective through the personal narrative of a patient living with inborn errors of immunity to help underscore the profound impact of these conditions on individuals and their loved ones, highlighting the challenges they face and the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive care, and psychosocial support.

Join us in this informative and impactful session, as we collectively strive to strengthen the circle of care for patients with these often-underrecognized conditions. Together, we can stop preventable deaths.