What is severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)?
SCID is a group of very rare, life-threatening diseases that are present at birth. The disease causes the child to have very little or no immune system. As a result, the child’s body is unable to fight off infections. This disease process is also known as the “boy in the bubble” syndrome, because living in the normal environment can prove fatal to these children. Children with this rare, inherited disease become very ill with illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and chickenpox and can die within the first year of their life. With new advances in treatments for these children, however, children with SCID can be successfully treated. What causes SCID? SCID is a group of inherited disorders. Many genetic defects can cause SCID. These defects reduce the ability of white cells in the blood to fight infection. What are the symptoms of SCID? Symptoms of SCID usually become apparent within the first year. The following are the most common symptoms of SCID. However, each child may experienc
