Pediatric Immunodeficiency/dysregulation Treatment Center in Hematology (PITCH)

Some immunohematologic disorders cause your child to have problems making enough blood cells. Other disorders cause your child’s immune system to destroy blood cells after they’re made. The disorders affect how well your child’s body fights infections. Gene changes (mutations) cause some of these disorders. Because these conditions are rare and complex, they’re often misdiagnosed or overlooked.

Our pediatric blood disorder and immune system experts have deep experience diagnosing and managing immunohematologic disorders, including:

• Primary immune regulatory disorders (PIRD), which cause the immune system to become overactive and mistakenly attack healthy tissue and organs. This response can lead to inflammation and severe allergic reactions.

• Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD), which cause a weakened (underactive) immune system. Your child may be more prone to infections and illness.

• Bone marrow failure syndrome, which occurs when your child’s bone marrow doesn’t make enough blood-clotting platelets, oxygen-carrying red blood cells or infection-fighting white blood cells.

We use the latest diagnostic tests to identify a genetic issue or affected pathway. Tests may include:

• Immunophenotyping to assess your child’s immune cells and how they function

• Genetic testing to look for problem-causing gene changes (mutations). Tests may include gene sequencing panels, whole exome sequencing or whole genome sequencing to look at all of your child’s genetic makeup (DNA).

• Bone marrow examination to evaluate the body’s ability to make blood and immune cells

We offer a full range of treatments to restore the natural balance of your child’s immune system and lower the burden of illness. Treatments we offer include:

• Immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy to replace antibodies (immunoglobulins) that help your child’s immune system fight germs. Your child may get intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment with us, at another infusion site or as an at-home infusion (subcutaneous Ig or SCIG).

• Immunosuppression medications to calm your child’s immune system, helping to prevent inflammation and damage

• Oral, inhaled or IV antibiotics to prevent infections

• Stem cell transplants to replace diseased stem cells with healthy ones from a donor

Inborn errors of immunity are lifelong conditions that require ongoing treatment. Living with a chronic condition can be challenging. At Children’s Health, your family has access to a range of supportive services, including:

• Child life specialists, who help children cope with medical procedures, such as blood draws and IVs

• Health psychologists, who specialize in helping children with chronic health conditions

• Social workers, who connect families with resources for counseling, lodging and financial assistance