Immunodeficiency diseases
Article Abstract:
There are more than 50 hereditary immunodeficiency syndromes, but they are very rare. In most antibody deficiency disorders, T cell function is normal, but B cell function is not. These disorders include X-linked agammaglobulinemia, IgG subclass deficiency, selective IgA deficiency and X-linked lymphoproliferative disease. Disorders of T cells are more severe and harder to treat. They include DiGeorge's syndrome, Nezelof syndrome and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) deficiency. There are several types of severe combined immunodeficiency disorders (SCID), which are characterized by complete absence of immune function. In the 1990's, most cases of immunodeficiency are caused by the human immunodeficiency viruses, HIV-1 and HIV-2. Hereditary immunodeficiency disorders can be detected prenatally by amniocentesis. Treatments include isolating the patient, administering antibiotics to treat infections and replacing defective antibodies and immune cells.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Immunohematologic diseases
Article Abstract:
Several types of diseases are caused by the production of antibodies against the body's own red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. Immune hemolytic anemia occurs when the antibodies directed against red blood cells cause their destruction. Warm antibodies react at body temperature and cold antibodies react at lower temperatures. Hemolytic disease of the newborn occurs when antibodies produced by the mother cross the placenta and attack fetal red blood cells. This usually occurs when there is an Rh blood group incompatibility. Immune thrombocytopenia is a reduction in platelets caused by the production of antibodies against platelet antigens. Patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura also have circulating immune complexes. Immune neutropenia is a reduction in neutrophils caused by the production of antibodies against neutrophil antigens.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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