The names givento the different types of SCID are based on the particular protein or genethat is affected. Recent developments in genetics mean that doctorsare now often able to make a specific SCID diagnosis. In infants affected by SCID, a genetic mistake results inthe absence or malfunction of a protein that is necessary fornormal development and/or function of the immune system.Many different genes can be affected, each causing a differenttype of SCID. The three main types of lymphocytes that can be affectedare called T-cells, B-cells and natural killer (‘NK’) cells.
In all infants affected bySCID, specialised white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, are missing or notfunctioning properly. There are many different types of SCID, each with different genetic causes.However, infants affected by the various types of SCID have many featuresin common and these are described in this leaflet. Treatment is nowavailable that can reduce the risk of serious infection, and in many cases, curethe disorder. Today, doctors understand much more about SCID. Affected infantsbecome unwell within the first few months of life, and before modern medicationand treatments were available, most affected babies did not survive beyond theirfirst year. Theyform part of a larger group of conditions known as primary immunodeficiencies.The immune system abnormalities in SCID lead to greatly increased risks ofinfection and other complications that are life-threatening. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the name given to a group of rare,inherited disorders that cause major abnormalities of the immune system.
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