Immunodeficiency disorders

Alternative Names

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to prevent infections and treat any disease and infections that do develop.

If you have a weakened immune system, you should avoid contact with persons who have infections or contagious disorders. This may include avoiding people who have been vaccinated with live virus vaccines within the past 2 weeks.

If you develop an infection, your doctor will treat you aggressively. This may involve long-term use of antibiotic or antifungal medications and preventive (prophylactic) treatments.

Interferon is used to treat viral infections and some types of cancer. It is an immunostimulant drug, a medicine that makes the immune system work better.

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 Streptococcus pneumonia and Hemophilus influenzae.

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.

Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia are treated with periodic immunoglobulin infusions through a vein to raise blood immunoglobulin levels towards the normal range.

Outlook (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.

Possible Complications

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider immediately if you are on chemotherapy or corticosteroids (such as prednisone, Medrol, or Decadron) and you develop a fever greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or have cough with shortness of breath.

Go to the emergency room if you have a stiff neck and headache with the fever.

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.