Immune deficiency (including SCID)

Overview

SCID is the most severe type and needs a stem cell transplant early in life.

Other types may cause repeated sinus, ear, or lung infections.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Frequent infections

Less common

• Poor growth
• Slow growth

Look up a symptom: Fever · Tiny flat red or purple dots on the skin, or infections that keep coming back

When to get medical care

Causes

Genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Immune tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Vaccines as advised
• Handwashing
• Wash hands often

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Newborn screening
• Avoid live vaccines if advised

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an immunologist (immune system doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Babies: SCID is on the newborn screen.
• Babies: SCID shows early.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment helps people stay healthy.

Treatment helps; transplant cures SCID.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Do I need immune globulin?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Immune deficiency (including SCID)