Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a type of genetic condition called primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) that causes low levels of antibodies (protective proteins) in your body. This weakens your immune system, which usually helps your body fight off germs and prevent infections.
If you have CVID, you’re more likely to get repeated infections such as ear, sinus, or lung infections. You also have a higher risk for more serious conditions, such as gut problems, blood and autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
Doctors also refer to CVID by other medical terms such as adult-onset agammaglobulinemia, late-onset hypogammaglobulinemia, and acquired agammaglobulinemia.
Here’s a look at what causes CVID, signs to watch for, and how you can get help.
Who’s at Risk for Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)?
Compared to other primary immune system disorders, CVID is more common. About 1 in 25,000 people get it.
CVID mostly occurs in adults. While children and teens can develop CVID, they’re usually not diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
You’re more likely to be diagnosed with this condition between the ages of 20 and 50. That’s because usually, your immune system develops as you grow older.
But research shows that about 2 in 10 people with CVID were found to be immunodeficient (having a weak immune system due to lack of proteins) during childhood.
What Causes Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)?
Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes most CVID cases. But for 1 in 10 people with CVID, the cause can be pinpointed to a hereditary genetic mutation in their DNA. This means it’s passed down from your family members.
You can also get CVID if you have genetic defects in your immune system. This means there might be added or missing information in your DNA. The defects can cause your immune system to make very low levels of antibodies in your blood called immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin G (IgG) — the proteins that help your body fight infections.
You can also develop CVID later in your life.
Symptoms of Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
CVID symptoms may be different for each person and can range from mild to severe. That’s because it depends on how weak your immune system is.
Symptoms can include:
- A persistent cough
- Breathing problems
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
- Repeated lung infections, which could lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Bad reactions to vaccines
- Liver function issues
- Low blood flow to the liver
- A low platelet count
- Swollen joints such as knees, elbows, and wrists.
- Joint pain
- An enlarged spleen
How Is Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) Diagnosed?
If you’ve noticed repeated infections in your ears, sinuses, or lungs, or have a bad reaction to recommended vaccines, tell your doctor. This might prompt your doctor to look into whether you have CVID.
To confirm the diagnosis, they’ll ask for a detailed family and medical history. They’ll order blood tests. This can help your doctor check for signs of CVID, such as a low antibody count and how well your immune system works.
Your doctor also might give you a vaccine for another condition to see if you’ll have a normal boost in antibodies against the vaccine.
Can You Treat Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)?
There’s no cure for CVID. But you can manage the condition.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with CVID, to prevent repeated infections, your doctor may give you immunoglobulin (IgG) replacement therapy. It’s a blood-based treatment. Doctors take IgG proteins that are collected from healthy blood donors and give them to you to boost your antibody levels and immune function.
The therapy is delivered as an IV directly into a vein through a needle once a month or as a shot under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week or every other week.
To keep CVID under check, you’ll need IgG replacement therapy for the rest of your life.
Most people have no issues with this form of therapy. But it may cause side effects such as headaches or allergic reactions. Talk to your doctor about what form of therapy works best for you.
Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications to help you clear germs from repeated infections.
Can You Prevent Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)?
Since it’s a genetic condition that’s often passed down from other family members, there’s no way to prevent CVID.
But because you’re more prone to infections due to a weaker immune system, it’s important to maintain good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, to avoid germs. Getting an early diagnosis can also help you get the right therapy to keep CVID symptoms in check.
Complications of Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
When your immune system doesn’t function as it should, you’re more likely to have serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions than people who don’t have CVID.
This can include:
Autoimmune diseases. With this group of conditions, your immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells. If you have CVID, you’re more likely to have conditions such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (the body destroys healthy red blood cells), rheumatoid arthritis, or thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count).
About 1 in 4 people with CVID tend to get an autoimmune condition.
Cancer. CVID increases your risk for specific cancers, such as lymphoma or stomach cancer.
Bronchiectasis. Repeated lung infections can damage the tubes in your lungs and widen them to create pouch-like nooks. This causes you to cough up pus a lot and makes it harder for you to get rid of the built-up mucus.
Granulomas. These tiny clusters of white blood cells often form around an infected area, usually on the skin, in your lungs, or in other organs.
Takeaways
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a genetic condition that causes low levels of antibodies (protective proteins) in your body. This weakens your immune system, which usually helps your body fight off germs and prevent infections. The symptoms of CVID include repeated infections, such as sinus, ear, and lung infections. There’s no cure, but treatment options, including immunoglobulin therapy, can help treat symptoms.
FAQs About Common Variable Immunodeficiency
What is the life expectancy for someone with CVID?
According to studies, more than 75% of people with CVID are alive 25 years after diagnosis. About 50% live at least 45 years after their diagnosis.
Will CVID ever be cured?
There is no cure for CVID, but immunoglobulin therapy can decrease the risk of infection.
Can I live a normal life with CVID?
Having ongoing care for CVID and knowing the signs of an infection or other diseases can help you live a fulfilling life with CVID. Also, being mindful of your mental health and talking to your doctor if you experience depression can help with your quality of life.
Is CVID life-threatening?
CVID can be deadly due to the risk of infections and diseases like certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. Complications from infections can lead to death if they’re not treated quickly.