Article Sidebar
Published:
Mar 5, 2015Article Details
Copyright remains in the Author’s name. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution - Noncommercial Works License. Authors are required to complete and sign an Author Agreement form that outlines Author and Publisher rights and terms of publication. The Agreement form should be uploaded along with other submissions files and any submission will be considered incomplete without it [forthcoming].
Material submitted for publication in the SAMJ is accepted provided it has not been published or submitted for publication elsewhere. Please inform the editorial team if the main findings of your paper have been presented at a conference and published in abstract form, to avoid copyright infringement. The SAMJ does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors.
Previously published images
If an image/figure has been previously published, permission to reproduce or alter it must be obtained by the authors from the original publisher and the figure legend must give full credit to the original source. This credit should be accompanied by a letter indicating that permission to reproduce the image has been granted to the author/s. This letter should be uploaded as a supplementary file during submission.
Main Article Content
Investigation of adult immunodeciency and indications for immunoglobulin replacement therapy
Abstract
Adults presenting with recurrent infections require an approach that allows exclusion of underlying immunodeficiency. While secondary causes of immunodeficiency are the most common, primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) may present for the first time in adults. Failure to consider this diagnosis in adults and children leads to a major diagnostic delay. Recurrent localised infections generally suggest an underlying anatomical rather than an immune defect. PIDs that are most commonly encountered include common variable immunodeficiency, immunoglobulin (Ig) A deficiency, and IgG subclass deficiency. I suggest a diagnostic approach with relevant immune tests, depending on the clinical picture. The essential role of vaccination with polysaccharide and protein antigens to evaluate B-cell functional capacity, is highlighted. Principles of management are provided, including indications for immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
