ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Common variable immunodeficiency

What is common variable immunodeficiency?

29 November 2023

It is an immune system disorder characterized by a low concentration of immunoglobulins, which allows the body to suffer recurrent infections, mainly in the bronchi, ears, nose, and stomach.

According to clinical research, common variable immunodeficiency can be hereditary or develop spontaneously. It usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can occur at any time.

In common variable immunodeficiency, the number of B lymphocytes is normal, but the cells do not mature, so they cannot produce antibodies, which are responsible for fighting infections in the body.

The most common infections are:

  • Gastrointestinal.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Otitis.
  • Sinusitis.

Signs and symptoms Common variable immunodeficiency

The symptoms will depend on the place where the infection develops, the most characteristic signs being:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Dilation of the airways.
  • Ear infections.
  • Malabsorption.
  • Problems clearing mucus.
  • Chronic coughing fits.
  • Bloody phlegm.
  • Enlarged spleen.

Common variable immunodeficiency risks and complications:

There is a high risk of suffering from:

  • Stomach cancer.
  • Autoimmune diseases.
  • Lymphoma.
  • Blood problems.
  • Digestive disorders.

Diagnosis and treatment Common variable immunodeficiency

After analyzing your symptoms and clinical history, your doctor will perform a physical examination and order blood tests to measure the concentration of immunoglobulins and determine if the body produces the appropriate number in response to the vaccines.

If deemed necessary, they can also request spirometry, MRI, and CT scans.
The treatment to follow consists of:

  • Antibiotics.
  • Immunoglobulins intravenously or subcutaneously for life.
  • Medications that suppress or modify the immune system activity, as appropriate.

In ABC Medical Center Internal Medicine Department, we provide you with health care services with the highest quality and safety, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological conditions, both chronic-degenerative and acute, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments Common variable immunodeficiency

Internal Medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • aaaai.org
  • ipopi.org
  • cun.es
  • elsevier.es
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • González-Serrano ME, Rodríguez-Alba JC, López-Herrera G. Inmunodeficiencia común variable, diagnóstico clínico y de laboratorio y genes más comunes. Alerg Asma Inmunol Pediatr. 2021;30(3):91-98. doi:10.35366/102982.
  • Franco-Esquivias AP, García-De la Peña C, Torres-Lozano C, et al. Microbiota bacteriana intestinal en pacientes mexicanos con inmunodeficiencia común variable. Gac Med Mex. 2019;155(5):481-486.
  • Avelar-Rodríguez D, Toro-Monjaraz EM, Peña VR, et al. Paciente con acalasia esofágica e inmunodeficiencia común variable. Reporte de caso y revisión bibliográfica. Acta Pediatr Mex. 2019;40(3):143-147.
  • O’Farrill-Romanillos PM, Galindo-Pacheco LV, Amaya-Mejía AS, et al. Leucemia mieloide crónica en un adulto con inmunodeficiencia común variable. Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc. 2014;52(1):94-97.

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