TOPIC:

I was diagnosed with ITP in 2011. In 2017 I was hospitalized for an infection and needed emergency surgery, however my platelets and white sells were critically low. The surgeon removed my spleen and treated the issue. My platelets and white cells shot up. Now 3 years later I am being treated for swollen lymph nodes. I had a biopsy and thankfully there was no malignancy. I am now being referred to a immunologist and they suspect I have CVID. Has anyone experienced this, or has knowledge about this autoimmune issue that is said to be common with ITP?

Now what?

Why is CVID suspected? Have your Immunoglobulins been tested - IgG, IgM, IgA?

Thank you for your response and being direct regarding having it checked out. As mentioned I was diagnosed with ITP in 2011. In 2017 that resolved when I had my spleen removed, it was said to be very enlarged. 2 months ago, I had a CAT scan and they found several swollen Lymph nodes. 3 weeks ago i had a biopsy and learned they were not malignant. I was referred back to oncology. That doc reviewed my history and believes my history fits CVID. I am being referred to a Immunologist, and maybe they will be testing what you suggested. I appreciate your support and encouragement to seek medical attention, which I am doing. I thought to come back to this forum as I was told there can be a link between ITP and my current condition. I am hopeful to finally understand and treat what is going on with me.

I've done a quick scout around for NHS (UK) guidelines; these are recommended as first line investigations for CVID
-Complete blood cell count with differential
-Total IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE levels
-Serum (and urine) electrophoresis
-Complement levels
-Functional antibodies (Tetanus, Hib and Pneumococci)
-IgG antibodies to previous infections and/or immunisations e.g. hepatitis B, meningococcus C, measles, rubella, CMV, VZV, EBV and others if appropriate
-If specific antibody levels are low, test immunisations (e.g. tetanus toxoid, pneumovax, Hib) should be given. Post immunisation blood samples should be taken after 4-6 weeks
-Lymphocytes subsets including T, B and NK cell numbers
-Switched memory B-cells (CD19+IgD–CD27+) and nonswitched (CD19+IgD+CD27+) memory B cells in the peripheral blood to identify patients with increased risk of bronchiectasis, splenomegaly or autoimmune disease
-Liver function tests, urea & creatinine, calcium
-Urine analysis