September 30, 2015 - Immune Deficient Patients

Question 1

Primary Immune Deficiency

Answer 1

Usually hereditary

Due to intrinsic immune abnormality

Sometimes presents later in life

Question 2

Secondary Immune Deficiency

Answer 2

Acquired or due to an external cause.

This can be caused by infection (HIV), medication, or nutrition.

Question 3

10 Warning Signs of Immunodeficiency

Answer 3

1. > 4 acute otitis media in 1 year (or > 2 in adults)
2. > 2 sinus infections in 1 year
3. > 2 pneumonias in 1 year
4. Failure to thrive
5. Need for IV antibiotics to clear infection
6. Recurrent, deep skin or organ abscesses
7. Persistent thrush after age 1, or fungal infections
8. Recurrent viral infections (even warts)
9. Infection with normally harmless bacteria (mycobacteria)
10. Positive family history

Question 4

Pus and Immunodeficiency

Answer 4

Important question to ask.

A lack of pus may indicate leukocyte adhesion deficiency.

Question 5

Marijuana and Immunodeficiency

Answer 5

Can cause aspergillus infections.

Question 6

Testing for Complement Deficiency

Answer 6

CH50 / Total Hemolytic Complement

C3 and C4 levels do not rule out a complement deficiency.

Question 7

Neutrophil Oxidative Burst

Answer 7

Test for neutrophil function.