If you know a baby who isn’t thriving - who has persistent or recurrent respiratory, gastrointestinal or skin problems - an infant who suffers from a chronic cough, multiple ear or sinus infections, rashes, thrush or stubborn diarrhoea - a baby who fails to respond to antibiotics and other medications - then consider SCID as one of the possible causes.
SCID - short for Severe Combined Immune Deficiency - is diagnosed in approximately 30 babies born in the UK each year. But it is thought that many more babies are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed , and often die before their second birthdays from diseases other children shrug off. Children with SCID are born with defective immune systems or in some cases with no immune system at all. This leaves them dangerously exposed to conditions such as pneumonia, hepatitis and meningitis. Even the common cold can kill. So can the early childhood vaccines given for Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Family GP’s who are used to treating children with normal childhood diseases often try to treat these symptoms without searching for an underlying cause. When they do, more familiar diseases are considered first, such as Cystic Fibrosis and Leukaemia. Even with the onset of Pneumonia which is often the final, fatal symptom of SCID, doctors often conclude that AIDS is the cause.
Early diagnosis of SCID is crucial in saving the lives of children who could otherwise die needlessly. If a baby exhibits any of the symptoms of SCID, parents are urged to act quickly. Consult your GP or hospital paediatrician, and if they have no answers, ask to see an immunologist and describe the symptoms to them. In most cases a simple blood test to count white blood cells could allow many children to be diagnosed and treated quickly. Many are cured, normally through Bone Marrow Transplantation, and go on to lead normal, healthy lives.
Kids for SCID was set up following the experiences of one family who came face to face with SCID in December 1997. It’s primary aims are to:
- Raise awareness of SCID, particularly among parents
- Provide support to other families affected by SCID
- Raise funds thorugh the deeds of children for Great Ormond Street Hospital,
one of only two centres in the UK that currently treat this condition.
Press Enquiries: Lesley Messenger-Jones - 01229 464016 Email: lesleym-j@beeb.net
