Evaluation of patients with suspected immunodeficiency

Abstract

Immunodeficiency diseases represent quantitative or qualitative defects in the normal immune response. Immunodeficiency should be suspected in patients who have recurrent or complicated infections. Conditions associated with secondary immunodeficiency should be ruled out by the history and physical examination, supplemented by routine laboratory tests. Functional analysis of the humoral, cell-mediated and phagocytic aspects of the immune system will reveal most immunodeficiency states. The therapeutic approach includes evaluation and treatment of all infections and, if possible, treatment of the immunologic defect.