Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Also known as: CVID.

What is common variable immunodeficiency?

Common variable immunodeficiency is a disorder that affects the ability of the immune system to fight off foreign invaders and infections due to a lack of sufficient antibodies. Frequent infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections are a common sign of the disease.

What causes common variable immunodeficiency?

The cause is unclear in most cases of common variable immunodeficiency. A small group of patients have a molecular defect.

What are the symptoms of common variable immunodeficiency?

The most common sign of common variable immunodeficiency is frequent infections. They can have recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections, gastrointestinal problems, chronic lung disease, and are more likely to have autoimmune diseases, and malignancies.

What are common variable immunodeficiency care options?

The primary treatment for common variable immunodeficiency is called immunoglobulin replacement therapy. This therapy replaces the body’s antibodies that are deficient. Antibiotics and other treatments may also be needed based on the symptoms that are present.

Reviewed by: Amy S Feldman, MD

This page was last updated on: May 05, 2021 04:26 PM