7 Immunodeficiency

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<div class="quote" >have very low NK cells and function, but I think everyone w CFS has that....What were the tests/markers? feel free to PM me if you prefer.</div>

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<p>Another good test for immunodeficiency&nbsp;is called "serum immunoglobulin panel". It tests for blood serum levels of the immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM. If you have low levels of IgA and IgM, you fit the diagnostic criteria of CVID, and most insurance, including Medicare, will pay for the treatment of CVID with IVIG. Some diagnostic criteria do not require low IgA for this diagnosis, and a low IgG may be sufficient. Although low IgM is characteristic of a condition called "immunoglobulin M deficiency" and responds to treatment with IVIG, this condition by itself is not a primary immune deficiency disease, and therefore, is not covered by most insurance.<br />

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Please note that I use words such as "you fit the diagnostic criteria of CVID" rather than saying that you would have CVID, as I obviously cannot diagnose CVID or any other disease. It is possible to fit the diagnostic criteria for a disease and yet have other factors in your condition that would make another diagnosis more appropriate.<br />

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There are also other primary immune deficiency diseases that involve abnormal levels of one or more of the three immunoglobulins that I mentioned. If any of these numbers are abnormal, you really need a good specialist to sort this all out.</p>