Evaluation and Treatment of Children with Primary Immune Deficiency in the Emergency Department

The potential for morbidity and mortality in patients who have PID with febrile and nonfebrile illness is extremely high. Familiarity with the clinical manifestations of PID and collaboration with a pediatric immunologist are prerequisites for optimal short-term care of these complex patients. Conservative management with empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobials, early and aggressive surgical debridement of abscesses, and admission at a tertiary pediatric care center are often indicated.