
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Primary immunodeficiency medical therapy
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Medical Therapy
Medical Therapy
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.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
