Immunologist Richard Schiff, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Schiff is Global Medical Director, Immune Therapy, Baxter BioScience.
Read more about Dr. Schiff
Is it possible for a child to "outgrow" Common Variable Immunodeficiency? Do children ever "outgrow" the need for monthly IVIG infusions?
Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is not one disease, but a collection of several genetic diseases that have different types of immune defects. These diseases
share common manifestations: at least two of the major immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) are significantly low for age, and antibody responses to common bacterial and viral infections or immunizations are poor.
If a child truly has CVID, then it is very unlikely that he or she will "outgrow" it and no longer need to receive infusions of gammaglobulin. However, very young children, under 2 or 3 years of age, may have delayed maturation of the immune system and be low for age, but able to "catch up." This is known as Transient Hypogammaglobulinemia of Infancy.
All children start with IgG from their mothers, but they have low IgA and IgM. They have to start making their own immunoglobulins after birth. The normal values for children are developed for the "average" child, but just as some children walk or talk at different ages, some children take longer to develop their immune system. Most of these children have low immunoglobulins, but can make antibodies well, and so they do not need to get infusions of IVIG. But, some do have poor responses to infections and immunizations and get an unusual number or severity of infections. These children are sometimes diagnosed as CVID and treated. If the correct diagnosis is Transient Hypogammaglobulinemia then these children may "outgrow" their disease and no longer need to be treated.
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two diagnoses in very young children, so it is appropriate to reevaluate children as they get older, say 5 or 6 years of age. Talk to your immunologist to see if reevaluation is appropriate for your child.
The PI Panel cannot respond to questions about individual medical cases, provide second
opinions or make specific recommendations regarding therapy. The information our experts
provide is from their own experiences. Always seek the advice of
your own physician or other
qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition.
We will do our best to
address as many questions as possible.
We will not publish the names of any patients,
physicians,
or
therapies.
