Immunology Program

The Immunology Program at the Miller Children’s Pulmonary, Allergy, Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis Center provides evaluation and treatment for children with various types of immune system disorders. Miller Children’s allergist and immunologists employ advanced clinical and medical techniques to diagnose, evaluate and manage Primary Immune Deficiency Disorders (PIDS) in children.

Clinical Assessment & Evaluation

Through comprehensive clinical assessment and evaluation for immunological function, the following tests can help the immunologists determine the basis of immunodeficiency and the possibilities for avoiding infection:

• Immunoglobulin levels
• IgA subclasses
• IgG subclasses
• Specific antibody titers

Treatment & Management

Medical management is an important part of treatment for a child with primary immune deficiency disorders. Medicines, such as prophylactic antibiotics, can be prescribed to prevent infection. Also, Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) can be administered to children with disorders of antibody function.

Surgical Care

A few patients with chronic upper or lower respiratory infections and subsequent structural changes may need strategic, long-term, broad-spectrum antibiotics, in addition to chest physiotherapy and sinus surgery.

For example, many young children who get chronic ear infections benefit from the placement of tympanostomy tubes in their ears and/or they might undergo endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis. However the importance of aggressive medical therapy for the underlying immunodeficiency and its accompanied allergic condition is very important in treating a child with these symptoms in addition to the placement of tubes and/or sinus surgery.