What is common variable immune deficiency?

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immune deficiency disease characterized by low levels of protective antibodies and an increased risk of infections. Although the disease usually is diagnosed in adults, it also can occur in children.

Is CVID an autoimmune disease?

Immune cells can accumulate in other organs, forming small lumps called granulomas. Approximately 25 percent of people with CVID have an autoimmune disorder, which occurs when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s tissues and organs.

What is the life expectancy of a person with CVID?

The life expectancy of CVID patients has considerably improved over the past 30 years [5, 63], from initially 12 years to currently over 50 years [3]. Reduced survival was significantly associated with age at diagnosis, lower baseline IgG, higher IgM and fewer peripheral B cells.

What is the difference between Hypogammaglobulinemia and CVID?

Hypogammaglobulinemia is a nonspecific diagnosis. Basically, it describes a laboratory value that shows antibody levels are low, but gives no other information on the condition. CVID, on the other hand, has specific criteria: low IgG plus low IgA and/or IgM levels.

How do you diagnose CVID?

The diagnosis of CVID is primarily established by testing for low blood (serum) IgG immunoglobulin concentrations ranging from severely reduced (<100 mg/dL) to just below adult normal range (500-1200 mg/dL). In addition, laboratory testing may reveal normal or, in some cases, reduced numbers of circulating B cells.

Why is it called common variable immunodeficiency?

The reason it was termed “common” is related to the original WHO decision to lump several disorders under the label “common variable immunodeficiency” since considering the proportion of all immunodeficiency disorders that fell under that heading, it was the most common, yet variable (the WHO chose the name, not IDF).

Is CVID curable now?

CVID has no cure. With ongoing treatment, many people with the disorder live active and fulfilling lives. In some cases, complications of CVID such as lung damage or cancer may affect life expectancy. These complications appear over time.

Is CVID considered immunocompromised?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes more than 400 primary immunodeficiencies ranging from relatively common to quite rare. CVID is one of the most prevalent of the symptomatic primary immunodeficiencies and manifests a wide variability of symptoms and range of severity.

Does low IgG cause fatigue?

Fatigue Is Common in Immunoglobulin G Subclass Deficiency and Correlates With Inflammatory Response and Need for Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy. Purpose: Individuals with immunoglobulin G deficiency (IgGsd) often complain of fatigue. The correlation between systemic inflammation and fatigue is unknown.

What autoimmune diseases cause low IgG?

Various autoimmune diseases are associated with IgA deficiency, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Graves disease, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, myasthenia gravis, pernicious anemia, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Can low IgG levels cause fatigue?

Fatigue Is Common in Immunoglobulin G Subclass Deficiency and Correlates With Inflammatory Response and Need for Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy. Purpose: Individuals with immunoglobulin G deficiency (IgGsd) often complain of fatigue.