Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is one of the most frequently diagnosed primary immunodeficiencies—meaning the immune system has low levels of antibodies that help fight infections. Those with CVID often develop recurring infection in the lungs, sinuses, and ears. The exact cause of CVID is unknown, though genetic defects may play a role.1
It’s important to note that CVID is not an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system can’t tell the difference between foreign cells (like bacteria and viruses) and your own cells. Because of this, your immune system will attack healthy cells in your body in addition to unhealthy foreign cells. CVID, on the other hand, occurs when your body has existing low levels of antibodies.
Signs and Symptoms
People with CVID experience frequent and often severe infections, primarily affecting the respiratory system, ears, and sinuses. The most common types of infections include pneumonia, sinusitis, ear infections, and gastrointestinal infections. These recurrent infections can lead to permanent damage to the respiratory tract, known as bronchiectasis.2,3
In addition to frequent infections, CVID can also be associated with a variety of other health issues. Even though CVID is not an autoimmune disorder, some individuals with CVID can develop autoimmune disorders that affect their blood cells, causing low numbers of white cells or platelets, anemia, arthritis, and other conditions. Gastrointestinal problems, such as chronic diarrhea, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, can also occur. In some cases, patients with CVID develop granulomas (small nodules) in the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, skin, or other organs. CVID also increases the risk of certain cancers—primarily lymphoid and gastrointestinal cancers.3
Diagnosis
To diagnose CVID, healthcare providers will typically order blood tests to measure immunoglobulin levels and evaluate the function of the immune system. If CVID is suspected, further testing may be done to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
CVID is typically treated with immunoglobulin (IG) (subcutaneous) infusions—especially for those with substantial decreased IG production and nonresponse to both protein and polysaccharide vaccines.4 The IG therapy provides antibodies from the blood of healthy donors. Other problems caused by CVID, like bacterial infections, may require additional, tailored treatments.5
Helpful Resources
The Immune Deficiency Foundation provides support and resources for CVID patients and their families. Some of these resources include:
Articles, videos, podcasts, and more to help deepen your understanding of CVID and other primary immunodeficiencies
Peer and group support
Opportunities for advocacy and volunteering
Summary
In summary, common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is a complex and challenging condition that requires ongoing medical care and management. While there is no cure, with proper treatment and management, many people with the condition are able to live active and fulfilling lives. By understanding the signs, symptoms, and available treatment options, individuals with CVID can take steps to improve their overall health and quality of life.
How BioMatrix Can Help
Though a CVID diagnosis can feel overwhelming for you or a loved one, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Organizations like the Immune Deficiency Foundation mentioned above can provide a wealth of information and support as well as connect you to others in the community who have experienced the same diagnosis. In addition, your specialty pharmacy can offer individualized support to help manage treatment.
BioMatrix helps manage the individual needs of patients requiring IG therapy. Knowledgeable pharmacists and care coordination staff guide each patient through the potential medication side effects and, working with the prescribing physician, help manage treatment to reduce the prevalence and severity of relapses.
As a specialty infusion pharmacy, our clinical teams have extensive training and experience in rare diseases, infusion therapies, and complex medical conditions. Our nursing staff coordinates with pharmacists, healthcare providers, and other caregivers ensuring the best treatment outcomes possible.
Learn more about our individualized specialty pharmacy services for patients with CVID and other primary immunodeficiency diseases.
Financial Resource Guide
Living with a chronic condition can create additional healthcare costs while also impeding one’s ability to work. Our financial resource guide can help.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. All information, content, and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider or as legal advice. Please consult a physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here or on our website.
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References
1. (Updated 2023 May 8). Pescador Ruschel MA, Vaqar S. Common Variable Immunodeficiency. . In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549787/
2. (2024, March 5). Common variable immunodeficiency - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-variable-immunodeficiency/symptoms-causes/syc-20355821
3. Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) | Immune Deficiency Foundation. (n.d.). https://primaryimmune.org/understanding-primary-immunodeficiency/types-of-pi/common-variable-immune-deficiency-cvid#:~:text=The%20usual%20presenting%20features%20of,condition%20termed%20bronchiectasis%2C%20may%20develop.
4. Cunningham-Rundles C. Treatment and Prognosis of Common Variable Immunodeficiency. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-and-prognosis-of-common-variable-immunodeficiency
5. (2019). Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID). National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/common-variable-immunodeficiency-cvid
