10. Increased Susceptibility to Autoimmune Disorders: The Body’s Betrayal
In a cruel twist, CVID patients, whose immune systems are deficient in fighting off infections, are often more susceptible to autoimmune disorders. In these cases, the immune system, instead of attacking foreign pathogens, targets the body’s own tissues—essentially mistaking parts of itself as enemies.
Autoimmune disorders seen in people with CVID can affect almost any part of the body. This includes conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which add another layer of complexity to the management of CVID.
Treatment of autoimmune disorders in the context of CVID is nuanced and may involve medications that suppress or modulate the immune system. The aim is to reduce the harmful effects of the autoimmune response while preserving as much of the patient’s infection-fighting capability as possible.
For CVID patients dealing with autoimmune disorders, close monitoring by healthcare providers is paramount. This means regular check-ups, vigilant symptom tracking, and a flexible treatment plan that can be adjusted as the patient’s condition evolves. (10)
