New insights into common variable immunodeficiency
Article Abstract:
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) is a syndrome characterized by the deficiency of immunoglobulin G (IgG). Patients with CVI have recurring bacterial infections of the respiratory tract including sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. They frequently have infectious and non-infectious gastrointestinal disorders, and problems with food absorption often cause weight loss and diarrhea. About 20% of patients with CVI develop autoimmune diseases such as hemolytic anemia, and malignancy develops in many patients with CVI. The deficiency of IgG indicates that B-cell abnormalities are involved in CVI, and the high incidence of autoimmune diseases and cancers among patients with CVI indicates that abnormal T-cell function is also involved. B-cells and T-cells regulate the body's immune system. CVI is treated with antibiotics, which ward off bacterial infections, and with IgG replacement therapy.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1993
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Rheumatologic and renal diseases
Article Abstract:
Many cytotoxic drugs appear to be effective in autoimmune diseases. These drugs were originally used to treat cancer, but they were found to suppress the immune system. Consequently, they were evaluated as treatments for autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system attacks the body. The drugs under study include methotrexate, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and chlorambucil. They are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, inflammatory muscle diseases, and kidney diseases such as Goodpasture disease, glomerulonephritis and lupus nephritis.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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Granulomatous disease in common variable immunodeficiency
Article Abstract:
Patients with an impaired immune system may be at greater risk of developing nodular growths called granulomas. Blood samples from 17 patients with granulomas and an impaired immune system related to low gammaglobulin levels were tested for lymphocyte reactions. Nearly all of the samples produced low T-cell levels in response to immune stimulation. Many of the patients had identifiable granulomas before being identified as having hypogammaglobulinemia.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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