Pediatric Common Immunodeficiency Disorders - An Overview

Introduction:

The pediatric common immunodeficiency variable is also known as primary immunodeficiency. It is an immunologic disorder of the heterogeneous group. It is characterized by the reduction of immunoglobulin G (IgG). It weakens the immune system of the child. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin A (IgA). The immune system consists of a special cell protein tissue organ that defends the body against infection through a process called the immune response. In this condition, B cells are unable to differentiate into plasma cells. Usually, it is seen in young children. In this condition, the child becomes prone to infections. Parents usually get worried because sometimes infections rage out of control. Infections that are commonly associated with pediatric common immunodeficiency variables are pneumonia and ear infections.

How Is Pediatric Immunodeficiency Caused?

Pediatric immunodeficiency has seen genetic disorders in children. It is passed from genes whose parent number of immunoglobulins is decreased. Usually, the body has white blood cells which fight infections. A child suffering from pediatric immunodeficiency is more prone to infections and more likely to be sick from a cold or flu.

There are more than 300 types of pediatric immunodeficiency variables, which are classified into six groups. Classification is based on the immune cells affected.

• B cell antibody type.

• T cell type.

• Combination of band T cell.

• Defective of phagocytes.

• Complement deficiency.

• Idiopathic type.

What Is the Risk Factor for Pediatric Common Immunodeficiency Variables?

A family history of pediatric immunodeficiency disease increases the risk of this disease in a child. If any of the parents are suffering from this condition, they should seek genetic counseling before family planning.

What Are the Symptoms of Pediatric Common Immunodeficiency Variables?

Parents start noticing symptoms only when the child is a few months old. Children are prone to a serious infection in such a way that the common cold can turn into pneumonia and bronchitis.

However, there are different symptoms in different children.

Following are the symptoms of the pediatric common immunodeficiency variable.

1. Ear, sinus, and lung infections. Infection is recurrent, and there is a risk of getting permanent damage to the lungs.

2. More than four consecutive infections in the year of the eye, ear, lungs, or mouth.

3. Administration of antibiotics through intravenous (IV) route for infections.

4. Septicemia, a bacterial infection, is seen to result in severe illness.

5. There is a presence of Candida infection in the mouth.

6. Occurrence of pneumonia more than once a year.

7. Inflammation is seen in joints of the knees, elbow, wrist, and ankle.

8. Stomach disorder is seen in children.

9. Children are at a higher risk of developing cancer.

Children with common pediatric immunodeficiency can develop certain blood disorders.

What Are the Complications of Pediatric Immunodeficiency?

There are various complications of pediatric immunodeficiency depending upon the severity of this disorder. Recurrent infections, autoimmune disorders, and organ damage, particularly of the heart, kidney, and nervous systems, slowed growth and increased the risk of cancer. A very severe form of the disease can lead to death.

How Is Pediatric Immunodeficiency Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis can help in the prevention of health issues related to common pediatric immunodeficiency. This diagnosis may be based on medical history and physical examination. Sharing a family history of pediatric immunodeficiency with a pediatrician can help to rule out the disease. Multiple investigations could also be done to help confirm the diagnosis.

Doctors do a thorough physical examination and ask the following questions,

1. Does the child suffer repetitive infections?

2. How long does the infection typically last?

3. Does another family member also show the same infection pattern?

Doctors usually run through various blood investigations to rule. They usually draw some blood and send it to the laboratory for analysis. Tests count the number of white blood cells in a child’s body. Blood tests determine the response of the immune system in the body. Severe combined immunodeficiency is a severe form of common pediatric immunodeficiency. Doctors usually refer patients to immunologists. Genetic counseling and testing can help in diagnosis. Parents having children with primary immunodeficiency disease are tested for future pregnancies. Various samples, such as amniotic fluid blood or cells from placental tissue, are tested. In certain cases, DNA tests are also done.

How Is Pediatric Immunodeficiency Prevented?

Untreated pediatric immunodeficiency can cause serious health issues such as organ damage. Early diagnosis can help in the prevention of serious infections. If the child is suffering from pediatric immunodeficiency, the following steps can be taken to prevent it.

• Good Hygiene - Cleaning hands in a proper manner.

• Taking Care of Teeth - Cleaning the oral cavity properly twice a day.

• Proper Diet - The child should take a completely healthy and balanced diet.

• Physically Active - It is very important for a child to be physically active as it contributes to overall health.

• Get Proper Sleep - The child should have an adequate sleep in the proper routine of 8-10 hours.

• Managing Stress - It is very important to take care of stress. Stress hampers the immune system of the child.

• Exposure to Infectious Environment - Avoid exposure to the infectious environment.

• Vaccination - Taking care of the proper vaccination of children. Certain vaccines are prohibited, such as rotavirus, chickenpox, measles, and mumps.

How Is Pediatric Immunodeficiency Treated?

Pediatric immunodeficiency can lead to serious illnesses such as an autoimmune disorder or cancer that needs to be treated. Treatment of primary immunodeficiency aims to prevent and treat the underlying cause of infection and boost the immune system.

• Managing Infections - Managing infections requires rapid and aggressive treatment. Treatment may involve a longer period of antibiotics. Severe infection may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.

• Preventing Infections - Respiratory infection and damage to the lung need long-term antibiotics. Children suffering from pediatric immunodeficiency are not able to have vaccines containing viruses such as oral polio and measles.

• Immunoglobulin Therapy - Immunoglobulin consists of antibody therapy for the immune system to fight infections. It can be either injected through IV line treatment or inserted underneath the skin. Intravenous Treatment is required every week, and subcutaneous infusion is required once or twice a week.

• Stem Cell Transplantation - Stem cell transplantation cures several life-threatening immunodeficiencies. Stem cells of normal individuals are transferred to a person with immunodeficiency resulting in a typically functioning immune system.

Conclusion:

Children suffering from pediatric immunodeficiency variation are under constant threat. It affects various parts of the immune system resulting in ear, lung, skin, or infections of another area. Parents need to be aware of this disease and have proper knowledge about prevention. The child needs a lot of emotional support and care from family along with proper treatment.