Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation
Immunodeficiency outpatient unit
Childhood and adolescence are marked by frequent bouts of feverish illness. These infections, which are usually harmless and mostly caused by viruses, do not generally indicate a weak immune system, even if they occur several times a year. Infections can be exacerbated by other pre-existing conditions, starting nursery or school, or the onset of winter.
When an immune deficiency is suspected
In contrast, a specialist facility should be consulted at an early stage if certain warning signs are observed in order to clarify any suspicion of an immune deficiency.
Initial symptoms include:
- Skin rashes immediately after birth
- Weight loss and failure to thrive
- Unusually severe and poorly healing infections
- Atypical or rare pathogens
- Unusual locations
Symptoms are not as pronounced in later life. However, persistent skin changes, inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, chronic intestinal disorders or fever without a source of infection may indicate an immune deficiency.
Severe immunodeficiencies
Severe immune deficiencies may already appear in infancy. It is not uncommon for them to be misdiagnosed as neurodermatitis or failure to thrive due to other causes.
If any of the above symptoms occur during the first year of life, you should consult your paediatrician and make an appointment at an immunodeficiency centre.
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Diagnosing an immune deficiency requires constantly evolving specialist knowledge about the nature of the conditions and their causes, which are usually genetic.
Our department is a recognised centre for immune deficiencies, and our doctors are specially trained and highly experienced in this field. Our laboratory performs comprehensive immunodiagnostics within a short time, enabling fast and accurate diagnosis.
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We have a wide range of therapeutic options available for treating any immunodeficiency:
- Special immunomodulatory drugs
- Immune replacement therapies
- Stem cell transplantation, which is often the only possibility for a complete recovery.
We are happy to offer you an outpatient appointment at very short notice to investigate an immune deficiency. Our doctors will first analyse your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. They will then discuss the recommended diagnostic steps with you and begin them immediately.
