What it means
In SCID, both main kinds of white blood cells that fight infection, T cells and B cells, are missing or do not work. Babies look healthy at birth but get severe, repeated infections that can be deadly. Every US state now tests for it in newborn screeningNOO-born SKREE-ningTesting of every newborn for serious hidden conditions, using a few drops of blood from the heel plus hearing and heart checks.Full entry , and a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant can cure it. It is sometimes called "bubble boy disease".
For the nurse
Protect the infant from infection with strict hand hygiene and by keeping sick visitors away. Live vaccines, such as rotavirus and MMR, are not given. Blood products given to these infants are irradiated.
At a glance
| Also written | severe combined immunodeficiency, severe combined immunodeficiency disease |
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Related terms
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.
immunodeficiency
A state in which the immune system is weaker than normal and cannot fight infection well.
newborn screening
Testing of every newborn for serious hidden conditions, using a few drops of blood from the heel plus hearing and heart checks.