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When to Think of Immunodeficiency?

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Andrew Cant, Dr Alexandra Battersby

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Abstract

Primary Immunodeficiencies (PIDs), although rare, are serious and heightened clinical suspicion leads to earlier diagnosis and improved outcome. Recognition of PIDs may be difficult as infections are common in young children in particular. Clues to the diagnosis of PID may be found in history, examination and initial basic investigations such as lymphocyte count. Age at presentation, type of infective organism and family history help focus on likely PIDs. Type of infective organism may indicate a specific PID, for example Aspergillus and Chronic Granulomatous Disease and Pneumocystis Jiroveci and SCID amongst others. Diagnostic aids such as 'The 10 Warning Signs of Primary Immunodeficiency' can be useful with failure to thrive, need for IV antibiotics, and family history of severe or unusual infections being the most discriminating. Systemic examination including the recognition of dysmorphic features may also support a particular diagnosis.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Cant A, Battersby A

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Hot Topics in Infection and Immunity in Children IX

Year: 2013

Volume: 764

Pages: 167-177

Print publication date: 01/01/2013

ISSN (electronic): 0065-2598

Publisher: Springer

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4726-9_14

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-4726-9_14

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