EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED IMMUNODEFICIENCY

Immunodeficiency diseases represent quantitative or qualitative defect s in the normal immune response. Immunodeficiency should be suspected in patients who have recurrent or complicated infections. Conditions a ssociated with secondary immunodeficiency should be ruled out by the h istory and physical examination, supplemented by routine laboratory te sts. 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 inf ections and, if possible, treatment of the immunologic defect.