Session 10 Flashcards
What causes primary immunodeficiency?
Congenital defects due to an intrinsic gene defect.
What causes secondary immunodeficiency?
Underlying diseases/treatments causing decreased production/function of immune components or increase in loss/catabolism of immune components.
How are infections with underlying immunodeficiency described?
S - severe
P - persistent
U - unusual
R - recurrent
If a patient presents with ?immunodeficiency aged under 6 months what is the likely cause?
T-cell or phagocyte defect.
If a patient presents with ?immunodeficiency aged 6 months to 5 years what is the likely cause?
B-cell/antibody or phagocyte defect.
If a patient presents with ?immunodeficiency aged over 5 years what is the likely cause?
B-cell/antibody/complement defect or secondary immunodeficiency.
How might a patient with chronic granulomatous disease typically present in an acute environment?
Pulmonary aspergillosis and skin infections.
How might pulmonary Aspergillosis appear on X-ray?
Appears on chest X-ray: cavities in the lung filled by fungal balls appear like a halo; fibrosis may also develop in longer infections which looks similar on x-ray to cavities filled with fungi.
How is PID managed?
Prophylaxis to prevent infection; treat infections promptly and aggressively; give nutritional support (vit A and D); only give UV irradiated CMVneg blood products; avoid live attenuated vaccines; give regular immunoglobulin therapy.
What is the role of the spleen in immunity?
Clears bloodborne pathogens (particularly encapsulated bacteria); produces IgM and IgG antibodies; splenic macrophages remove opsonised microbes and immune complexes.
How are asplenic patients treated?
Lifelong penicillin prophylaxis; immunisation against encapsulated bacteria; wear medic alert bracelet.
