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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 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.

Avoid contact with persons who have any infection or contagious disorder. This includes avoiding contact with people who have been immunized (vaccinated) within the past two weeks.

Any illness/infection is treated aggressively. This may involve prolonged use of antimicrobials (antibiotics, antifungal medications, etc.), 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 two 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.

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

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health care provider immediately if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., chemotherapy or prednisone), and you develop a fever greater than 100.5F, 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.

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