Think zebras!: when to suspect if your child has primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID)

Abu Bakar, Asrar (2024) Think zebras!: when to suspect if your child has primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID). The Malaysian Medical Gazette.

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Abstract

Infections during childhood are commonplace, with an average healthy child experiencing 4-8 infections annually. Exposure to various microorganisms while exploring the environment is a natural part of a child's development, crucial for immune system maturation and social interaction. However, a minority of children face challenges in immune system development, either due to genetic mutations causing Primary Immunodeficiency (PID) or secondary factors like chronic illnesses or immune-suppressing drugs. While PID encompasses numerous disorders, diagnosis remains challenging due to limited routine genetic screening. Each PID subtype presents with unique symptoms and affects different age groups, resulting in underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Warning signs of PID include recurrent or prolonged infections, severe or unusual infections, family history of PID, and comorbidities affecting immune function. Recognition of these signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, potentially minimizing complications and improving quality of life. Early intervention, including curative therapies like stem cell transplants, is possible in some cases. Key themes for identifying PID include assessing infection frequency, duration, severity, and uniqueness, as well as considering family history and comorbidities. Both physicians and the public should be aware of PID and its diverse presentations. Organizations like the Jeffrey Modell Foundation and the US Centers for Disease Control provide resources to raise awareness and encourage early assessment. While doctors are trained to prioritize common diagnoses, unusual patterns of infection should prompt consideration of PID, allowing affected children access to essential care and potential curative treatments. Therefore, when encountering atypical infection presentations in children, it's essential to think beyond the usual suspects and consider the possibility of PID.

Item Type:	Article (Electronic Media)
Additional Information:	7951/112465
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Primary immunodeficiency syndrome, recurrent infections, children
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC582 Specialities of Internal Medicine- Immunologic Diseases R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ370 Disease of children
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Paediatrics
Depositing User:	Dr Asrar Abu Bakar
Date Deposited:	05 Jun 2024 09:11
Last Modified:	05 Jun 2024 09:12
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/112465

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