Research Projects
Secondary Immunodeficiencies In Hong Kong


Programme(s) to which this project applies:
☒ MPhil/PhD ☑ MRes[Med] ☒ URIS

Objective and Significance:

  • Immunodeficiencies can be primary (congenital) or secondary (acquired, or iatrogenic), predisposing patients to severe and recurrent infections.
  • The burden of secondary immunodeficiency is rising with the advent of novel immunosuppressants and biologic therapies
  • In particular, the increasing popularity of anti-CD20 therapies, such as rituximab, has led to increasing reports of secondary antibody deficiency
  • Unlike its primary counterpart, little is known regarding the management of secondary antibody deficiency and remains an underappreciated entity
  • Untreated patients experience significant morbidity and mortality from recurrent infections, but can be treated with immunoglobulin replacement
  • Despite this increasing awareness, there is still limited evidence available in the current literature regarding the clinical significance and management of this growing problem.
  • A novel mode of immunoglobulin replacement (self-administered by patients via the subcutaneous route) has recently been introduced to Hong Kong, but its cost-effectiveness and feasibility in Hong Kong is unknown

Objectives

  • Identify the burden of secondary immunodeficiencies in Hong Kong, especially among patients suffering and receiving treatment for immune-mediated disorders
  • Study the feasibility and effectiveness of subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy in Hong Kong

Professor CS Lau, Department of Medicine

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
cslau@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

  1. your CV,
  2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
  3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information. 

Research @ Department of Medicine