Universal SCIDS Screening Gaining Ground

The latter two have also been transplanted. One was sick by 10 days of age with classic SCIDS symptoms (thrush, febrile, failure to thrive) and was admitted. The fourth was reportedly healthy at the time of the report but had been seen for a weight check because the mother was worried. She had previously lost two children who had died at 4 months of age of pneumonia.

Although early in the adoption of SCIDS screening, the Massachusetts’ experience demonstrates that infants with SCIDS can be identified early, often before signs and symptoms are present. However, most abnormal tests are not caused by SCIDS or other immune deficits, which may also be identified early as a result of TREC screening.

Dr. Pelton is chief of pediatric infectious disease and also is the coordinator of the maternal-child HIV program at Boston Medical Center. He said he had no relevant financial disclosures. 

*This story was updated December 2, 2011.