PGI Holds Immune Deficiency Clinic at APC

By 121 News

Chandigarh 27^th April:- Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PIDs) are conditions in which part of the body's immune system does not function properly.  These disorders are inherited conditions and affected children get recurrent infections in the form of repeated pneumonia, diarrhea, skin and soft tissue infections. Majority present in early infancy, although milder forms may not get recognized until adulthood. Data collected from several countries in Europe and North America suggests that approximately 1:1000 individuals are affected with PID.

In most developing countries  of these disorders go unrecognized due to lack of awareness both among medical fraternity as well  as the lay public. However, of late, more and more children are being identified at PGI and currently more than 300 children are being followed up at the Immune Deficiency Clinic at APC, PGI. Treatment of these disorders is difficult and expensive. Quite a few children who have antibody deficiencies need monthly replacement with Intravenous Immunologlobulin (IVIg). This treatment has to be continued lifelong. However, for certain more serious PIDs the only curative therapy is bone marrow transplantation. 

The need of intravenous Immunoglobulins, which is life saving drug for these children, to be freely available and at a cheaper cost in India was highlighted. Many parents also recounted their experience and expressed the difficulties faced by them.

Over the last few years, many donors and philanthropists have come forward and helped out these children and Sukhmani Foundation is one of them. These organizations and individuals   have generously and selflessly contributed to the care and well being of these children and their families. However, with the ever increasing cost of therapy more help is needed for these patients. We need more people to adopt these children and help them.

The  parents of  patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders  have formulated a patient group at Bangalore  "   Indian Patient Society for Primary Immunodeficiency "  and further information in this regard can be accessed at the following website; http://www.ispid.org.in.More information regarding primary Immunodeficiencies can be obtained from Jeffrey  Modell Foundation  and International  Patient Organization for  Primary Immunodeficiencies  at the following websites http://www.info4pi.org/jmf/ and www.ipopi.org/ respectively