Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID)
Duke Children's is one of 44 programs in the U.S. and Canada that treat infants born with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). We have achieved an overall survival rate of 75 percent for these infants using innovative bone marrow stem cell transplant therapies that do not require pre-transplant chemotherapy.
Comprehensive, Advanced Care for SCID
SCID -- often called “bubble boy disease” -- is a rare disease that leaves a child unable to fight off germs. As the most severe primary immunodeficiency disease, it occurs when genetic defects impact how well the body’s immune system works. Babies with SCID may appear healthy at birth but can become very sick from germs that don’t usually cause problems in people with healthy immune systems.
We provide comprehensive care for SCID from childhood through adulthood. Our allergists and immunologists coordinate your child’s care with pediatric specialists throughout Duke, including nutritionists, occupational and physical therapists, and social workers. We have been designated by the Immune Deficiency Foundation as a Center of Excellence. This designation recognizes us for:
- providing the highest standard of care
- using innovation to advance treatments for immune deficiencies
- bringing groundbreaking clinical trials to our patients
Children with SCID require lifelong monitoring to ensure their immune systems are functioning well. We work with you and your child’s hometown doctor so you can stay close to home. Children typically come to Duke once a year for follow-up care with a specialist.
Nationally Recognized Expertise in SCID Treatment and Research
Duke immunologists are responsible for saving countless lives. We’ve been involved in research to determine effective ways to diagnose and treat SCID for more than 40 years.
- Duke has been a leader in the development of screening that diagnoses SCID at birth and starting effective therapy, including bone marrow transplants, very soon after birth. Children with SCID who are diagnosed and receive a transplant early in life can be cured.
- As part of the Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium, we’re one of 44 centers studying the diagnosis and treatment of infants and children born with primary immune deficiency diseases with the overall goal to improve treatment of these conditions.
- Our immunodiagnostics lab provides specialized testing for SCID that is not readily available at most other centers. We also use these tests to monitor your child during treatment.
SEVERE COMBINED IMMUNODEFICIENCY (SCID)
Treatments
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Primary immunodeficiency disorders can be cured or managed with a stem cell transplant. The transplanted cells provide healthy, functioning stem cells from a donor. These stem cells eventually develop into healthy blood cells, including white blood cells and other parts of a normal immune system.
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Normal blood plasma contains immunoglobulins, or antibodies. Children with primary immunodeficiency conditions lack these disease-fighting antibodies. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy safely infuses the body with purified antibodies to boost the immune system.
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Your child may meet with a dietitian to ensure he or she receives the proper nutrients to stay healthy.
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Children with SCID can benefit from therapy to keep their muscles strong and their bodies physically fit. If appropriate, your child will work with a therapist to build strength and practice performing certain tasks.
SEVERE COMBINED IMMUNODEFICIENCY (SCID)
Tests
Our immunodiagnostics lab performs highly advanced testing to diagnose and monitor children born with SCID. We're experts in interpreting these tests and continue to develop and improve our capabilities.
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Can determine if your unborn baby is predisposed to SCID. Doctors may use genetic and immunodiagnostic tests if you have a family history of SCID. The test results can help you to prepare for treatment soon after your child’s birth.
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Allows for quick treatment so that children can live a full, healthy life with regular monitoring.
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Check the function of different parts of the immune system. They are used to diagnose children whose conditions are not detected with newborn testing. Special genetic tests are also used to make a diagnosis.
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A series of specialized lab tests tracks how well the immune system is working and how it responds to treatments. These include blood and immune tests.