Related Experiment Videos
[Common variable immunodeficiency and polyarthritis: a case report]
M A González-Gay1, M J Cereijo, M D Alonso
1Sección de Reumatología, Hospital Xeral, Lugo.
Abstract:
We describe a man with common variable immunodeficiency and polyarthritis. He had suffered several infections, including septic arthritis. For this reason we commenced treatment with antibiotics without obtaining a good response. Three weeks' later, and after knowing that the results of all the cultures were negative, we discontinued the antibiotic therapy and started treatment with indomethacin. A dramatic response was rapidly observed. We feel that an arthritis in a patient with a history of previous infections should alert us to the diagnostic possibility of primary antibody deficiency.
Insights
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) can present with polyarthritis and recurrent infections. Indomethacin effectively treated arthritis in a CVID patient unresponsive to antibiotics, suggesting primary antibody deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by low immunoglobulin levels and impaired B-cell function.
- Patients with CVID are susceptible to recurrent infections, including bacterial septic arthritis.
- Polyarthritis can be a significant clinical manifestation of CVID, often posing diagnostic challenges.