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Advanced Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

SCID

Also written as: SCID — severe combined immunodeficiency

Severe combined immunodeficiency, a group of inherited immune system disorders.

Full Definition

Severe combined immunodeficiency is a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by severely impaired or absent immune system function. Infants with SCID are extremely vulnerable to infections and typically present with failure to thrive, chronic diarrhea, and recurrent serious infections. Early detection through newborn screening allows for protective isolation and definitive treatment such as bone marrow transplantation before life-threatening infections occur.

Usage

Usage note: Pronounced as 'skid' in clinical settings.

In Context

  • "SCID screening uses T-cell receptor excision circles to detect immune dysfunction." — methodology description
  • "The infant was diagnosed with SCID and urgently referred for bone marrow transplantation." — case report

Also known as

severe combined immunodeficiency

Don't confuse with

primary immunodeficiency DiGeorge syndrome

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