Primary immunodeficiency medical therapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Primary immunodeficiency is generally treated by immunotherapy either through intravenous infusions of immunoglobulin (IVIG) in an effort to induce passive immunity (Immunotherapy is not indicated for those who are IgA deficient). A new subcutaneous treatment (SC-Ig) was recently approved by the FDA, which is especially recommended in cases of severe adverse effects to the IV-Ig treatment or with individuals with poor venous access. Persons with immunodeficiencies are very vulnerable to opportunistic infections, and the use of antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics and antifungals, is often required. One of the future prospects in the treatment primary immunodeficiency is gene therapy. However, this form of treatment is in its infancy, and the feasibility and long-term complications of gene therapy are not known.