Discussion: the process of immunosuppression

• Evaluate cellular processes and alterations within cellular processes
• Analyze alterations in the immune system that result in disease processes
• Identify racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning
• Evaluate the impact of patient characteristics on disorders and altered physiology Discussion: the process of immunosuppression
  

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Assignment

Develop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis in which you:

• Explain why you think the patient presented the symptoms described.
• Identify the genes that may be associated with the development of the disease.
• Explain the process of immunosuppression and the effect it has on body systems.

What are the causes of immunosuppression?

Immunosuppression may be caused by a number of systemic illnesses. These include, but are not limited to the following:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Renal and/or hepatic failure
• Infection of the central nervous system
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Rheumatoid arthritis

In addition to systemic illnesses, certain pharmaceuticals and therapeutic interventions can also cause immunosuppression. These include, but are not limited to the following: Discussion: the process of immunosuppression

• Corticosteroids
• Immunoglobulins
• Antimetabolites
• Biological alkylating agents
• Ionizing radiation

What are the signs and symptoms of immunosuppression?

In general, immunosuppressed patients are typically very ill and susceptible to infection by everyday microorganisms that would otherwise pose no threat to healthy individuals. These are referred to as opportunistic infections, and frequently occur in those with weakened immune systems Discussion: the process of immunosuppression.

Opportunistic infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. These microbes easily spread through bodily fluids, the air, or via contaminated food, water, animals and objects. In addition to being physically sick, these patients usually have a wide range of derangements in the parameters of a complete blood count, which are used to indicate an infectious etiology.

Infections in immunosuppressed individuals tend to last longer and are more frequent and difficult to treat than infections in people with normal immune systems. These patients may have more frequent infections of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, as well as inflammation and infection of other internal organs and systems. Moreover, children affected by immunosuppression show signs of abnormal development and growth Discussion: the process of immunosuppression.

How is immunosuppression diagnosed and treated?

Immunosuppression may be easily seen from abnormalities in a blood test, particularly white blood cell count and levels of immunoglobulins, which are proteins primarily involved in fighting infections.

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Immune system functionality can be ascertained by further tests that check for cellular and humoral immunity. Cellular immunity can be tested with the help of phagocytic function and T cell activation tests, among others. Likewise, humoral immunity can be investigated by employing serum immunoglobulin assays, B cell quantitation, and specific antibody quantitative tests Discussion: the process of immunosuppression.

The goal in treating immunosuppression is to target the offending etiology, if possible. It is then important to aggressively treat and prevent infections, while at the same time giving the immune system a boost with pharmacological therapy.

Anti-microbials are of paramount importance against infectious agents. If bacteria are the culprits, then antibiotics are urgently required, and a protracted course of antibiotics is necessary to prevent further infection while the patient’s immune system is still below optimal Discussion: the process of immunosuppression.

There are several therapies that may be employed when attempting to boost the immunity of an immunosuppressed individual. Once such therapy is the use of immunoglobulins that may be administered as necessary intravenously or subcutaneously.

Other examples of immuno-boosting therapies include the use of interferons and growth factors, which both play roles in the stimulation of immune cells in the fight against pathogens and diseased states Discussion: the process of immunosuppression