Severe Combined Immunodeficiency or SCID is a group of inherited disorders that results in babies losing their immune system or getting born without it. Such disorders are also called primary immune deficiency disorders.
A Baby born with this condition might seem Ok during the first few weeks of life because during that time the mother’s immune system saves the baby from harm. But things get worse if the condition is ignored for a long time. Because there are high risks of the baby getting infected and damaged immune system means that even minor infections can become life-threatening.
Along with that even certain vaccines that use organisms to create immunity can be fatal.
Causes
SCID is caused when one or more SCID-causing genes are present in the baby. It can also be caused by variants or by changes in DNA.
How genetic testing can help?
In DNA testing specialists look for the variants and genes that might be causing the disease. Other than that newborn screening which is usually done in all the states in the US can screen for this disease.
Treatment
- Several treatment options are available for this disease such as:
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT). Which is also known as a bone marrow transplant.
- Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT)
Gene therapy
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to stabilize the baby and help them have a healthy life and long-term survival.
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