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Immunodeficiency disorders

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Immunosuppression

Treatment:

Usually, the immune response is a desired effect. Even deliberate immunosuppression (in the treatment of autoimmune disorders or organ transplant, for example) attempts to maintain a balance between suppression of parts of the immune system and the ability to fight disease and infection.

The goal of treatment for immunodeficiency disorders includes protection against (and treatment of) diseases and infections.

Immunocompromised patients should avoid contact with persons who have infections or contagious disorders. This may include avoiding people who have been immunized with live virus vaccines within the past two weeks.

Any illness or infection is treated aggressively in patients with immunosuppression. This may involve prolonged use of antimicrobials (antibiotics, antifungal medications), use of powerful antimicrobials to treat any infection, and preventive (prophylactic) treatments.

Interferon (used to treat viral infections and some types of cancer) and Zidovudine (AZT, used to treat AIDS) are 2 immunostimulant drugs (medications that increase the efficiency of the immune system).

Persons with HIV and AIDS may take combinations of drugs to reduce the amount of virus in their immune systems, thus improving their immunity.

Patients undergoing a planned splenectomy should be vaccinated 2 weeks prior to the surgery against encapsulated organisms, such as streptococcal pneumonia.

Bone marrow transplant may be used to treat certain immunodeficiency conditions.

Passive immunity (administration of antibodies produced by another person or animal) may occasionally be recommended to prevent illness after exposure to a microorganism.

Expectations (prognosis):

Some immunodeficiency disorders are mild and result in occasional illness. Others are severe and may be fatal. Immunosuppression that results from medications is often reversible once the medication is stopped.

Complications:

• Disease development
• Frequent or persistent illness
• Opportunistic infections
• Increased risk for certain cancers/tumors

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider immediately if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs (for instance, chemotherapy or prednisone), and you develop a fever greater than 100.5 degrees F, or have cough with shortness of breath. If a stiff neck and headache accompany your fever, go directly to an emergency department.

Contact your health care provider if you have recurrent yeast infections or oral thrush.

References:

Bonilla FA, Bernstein IL, Khan DA, et al. Practice parameter for the diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol . 2005 May;94(5 Suppl 1):S1-63.

• Review Date: 5/30/2007
• Reviewed By: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Networ

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