Pediatric Immunology Clinic

In the immunology department, we provide care for children with primary immunodeficiency diseases, immune system disorders, various syndromes affecting the immune system, and infants identified in national newborn screening as lacking vaccines. Our clinic is dedicated to clinical and basic research in this field, aiming to better understand and treat our patients. The research laboratory is an integral part of our clinic, where we conduct diagnostic tests and carry out breakthrough research on vaccine deficiencies.

Vaccine deficiencies refer to disruptions in the immune system, which is responsible for protecting our body from pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, toxins, and even cancer development. The immune system is a precise, sophisticated, and crucial system for our existence. However, these disruptions can lead to immunodeficiency diseases.

Primary immunodeficiency diseases are genetic disorders that increase the risk of infections. Additionally, they can lead to autoimmune reactions and a variety of symptoms such as recurrent infections, growth failure, persistent diarrhea, and atypical response to vaccinations. These conditions can occur at any age, from infancy to adulthood. There are also acquired conditions that impair the immune system, such as medication use or loss of digestive or urinary function.

Clarification is necessary in patients who are hospitalized with recurrent, severe infections, delayed wound healing, or unusual complications that do not respond to treatment or are caused by uncommon pathogens. It is also important to clarify even if there are other clinical manifestations present, such as dysmorphia, failure to thrive, complications from live vaccination, unexplained autoimmune disease, family history, severe rash, and similar symptoms. In Israel, a national survey program for immune disorders has been initiated, which includes advanced tests for infants who test positive to confirm or rule out a genuine disorder.

How should it be treated?

The clinic offers anticoagulant therapy to patients in need, along with bone marrow transplantation for those with severe immunodeficiency. We collaborate closely with the oncology and bone marrow transplantation system for children.