Early Treatment Benefits Infants with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

Early Treatment Benefits Infants with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

Early Treatment Benefits Infants with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

NIH-Funded Study Identifies Factors Contributing to Successful Stem Cell Transplants

Early transplantation of blood-forming stem cells is an effective treatment for infants with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), an NIAID-funded study shows. Babies with SCID, a group of rare, life-threatening inherited immune disorders, are unable to fight off infections. In the new study, scientists found that most SCID infants who receive transplants within the first 3.5 months of life survive at least five years, regardless of the type of stem cell donor used. Babies of any age without infection at the time of transplant also have good outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of detecting and treating SCID early in life.