Of the following options, the best initial test for a workup for immunodeficiency is:
A. Serum levels of IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE
B. A complete blood count with differential
C. Peripheral T-cell phenotyping
D. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
E. Post-immunization immunoglobulin levels
ANSWER: FRIDAY 23/11/2018 10 am.
B
ReplyDeleteThe initial step in the workup of a child with a suspected immunodeficiency should always include a complete blood count and differential, as this test will reveal disorders involving lymphopenia (particularly T-cell lymphopenias) and neutropenia. Other hints can be found by the CBC, including small platelets associated with the Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, anemias, and evidence of eosinophilia.
ReplyDeleteAn erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and would not point to a specific immunodeficiency. While quantitative immunoglobulins, peripheral T-cell phenotyping, and lack of antibody response to standard immunizations would all be part of an immunodeficiency investigation, these would not be considered first steps in the evaluation.
SO CORRECT OPTION IS ‘B’