[Treatment of patients with acquired (non-HIV) immune deficiencies]

Infection continues to remain a major problem in immunodeficient patients. The spectrum of pathogens differs, depending on whether one is dealing with an unspecific immune defect or a specific hormonal or cellular defect. This means that a knowledge of the type of deficiency presenting is of importance for the empirical treatment that is often required. Infection can be prevented by the replacement of immunoglobulins, in particular in the case of hormonal immune defects. The use of cytokines holds out some promise of achieving a similar effect in the treatment of cellular immune defects.