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Primary immunodeficiencies (PIs) are a group of more than 550 rare, chronic conditions where a part of the body’s immune system is missing or does not function correctly.
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIs) are a group of more than 550 rare, chronic conditions where a part of the body’s immune system is missing or does not function correctly.
What are the signs of a primary immunodeficiency?
What are the signs of a primary immunodeficiency?
PI conditions prevent the immune system from working as it should, so the body has a hard time protecting itself against infection. This increased susceptibility can lead to infections that are:
Recurrent (keep coming back).
Persistent (won’t completely clear up or clear very slowly).
Unusual (caused by an uncommon organism).
Severe (require hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics).
Shared by family members (others in your family have or have had a similar susceptibility to infection).
Additional symptoms of PIs include:
Swollen spleen, liver, or lymph nodes (splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, or lymphadenopathy).
Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis).
Autoimmune or autoinflammatory symptoms like inflammatory bowel disease.
If any of these phrases describe your symptoms, ask your doctor to check for the possibility of a primary immunodeficiency (PI).
If any of these phrases describe your symptoms, ask your doctor to check for the possibility of a primary immunodeficiency (PI).
Getting diagnosed is the first step toward effective treatment. Explore the three main types of tests physicians use to reach a PI diagnosis.
Laboratory testing
Newborn screening
Genetic testing
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