Immunodeficiency occurs when the immune system of the body does not respond or functions properly. It is the condition in which the immune system’s ability to fight against infectious disease is absent. The treatment for each immunodeficiency disorder will depend on the specific conditions and causes.
The main aim of the treatment is to prevent the spreading of infections. The doctors at first will typically prescribe drugs such as antibiotics and immunoglobulin therapies. Antivirals such as amantadine or acyclovir or a protein medication called interferon are prescribed. In a rare case scenario, if one’s bone marrow isn’t producing sufficient white blood cells, they might even need to undergo bone marrow transplant.
Some of the effective treatments for immunodeficiency are as follows:
Antimicrobial therapy – An antimicrobial therapy kills the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoans. Antimicrobials are used in this therapy. Antimicrobials, such as antibiotics and antifungals, are medications that are used to fight against bacterial or fungal infections. The doctor may perform certain additional testing such as X-ray or CT scan to determine the nature of the infectious agent.
Immunoglobulin or replacement therapy – This therapy serves as a beneficiary for people who are unable to produce adequate amounts or functional immunoglobulin or antibodies. Immunoglobulin consists of antibody proteins that are needed for the immune system to fight against infections. This therapy can be done subcutaneously (under the skin) or can be given both intravenously.
Interferon-gamma therapy – Interferons are naturally occurring substances that fight against viruses and stimulate immune system cells. Earlier these interferons were known as immune interferon. Interferon-gamma is a synthetic substance given as an injection in the thigh or arm three times a week. It is used to treat a chronic granulomatous disease, which is one of the forms of primary immunodeficiency.
Growth factor therapy – This therapy involves the use of growth factors to promote wound healing. It helps in increasing the levels of immune-strengthening white blood cells.
Stem cell transplantation – For syndromes associated with immunodeficiencies such as Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, bone marrow transplantation or stem cell transplantation is the best solution. In early days, stem cell transplant is generally called as bone marrow since the stem cells were collected from the bone marrow. Nowadays stem cells are mostly collected from the blood. So, they are now often called stem cell transplants. This transplantation gives a permanent cure for several forms of life-threatening immunodeficiency. Stem cells can either be harvested through bone marrow or obtained from the placenta at birth.
Other medications
Some medications that are used to treat immunodeficiency are:
- HIZENTRA® – It is a subcutaneous infusion therapy which is used to treat primary immunodeficiency.
- GAMMAGARD LIQUID – It reduces the risk of infection in individuals with poorly functioning immune system.
- Privigen™ – It is a sterilized solution made from human plasma that contains the antibodies to help your body to fight against infection, and is used to treat patients with immunodeficiency.
The treatment of immunodeficiency is basically concentrated on treating infections and boosting the immune system. It is advisable to take any medication only after consulting a doctor.
