What is tymic hypoplasia?

Thymic hypoplasia is a disorder in which the brake gland is insufficient. The thymus is placed under the thoracic skin or bone of the breast and is part of the immune system. Thymic hypoplasia can cause people to be more susceptible to infections and can occur as part of a congenital state that is present from birth, known as DigEorge syndrome. DigEorge syndrome can be associated with problems such as heart defects, facial abnormalities, seizures and learning problems. The degree of thymic hypoplasia may vary from mild to severe and in some cases tymus may be missing. For most people, the thymus only develops until adolescence. Since then, the amount of cellular growth decreases and the thymus begins to shrink, with active cells slowly replaced by scar tissue and fat. Despite this shrinkage, the gland still produces lymphocytes and continues to do so into old age.

Fortunately, only a small proportion of people with DIGEORSymic Aplasia syndrome, where there is no gland or hypoplasia that is sufficiently serious to leave them susceptible to serious infections. For those who have mild tymic hypoplasia, recurring infections may be a problem, but it is more likely to be less serious illnesses such as colds. Many children with mild thymic hypoplasia can even find that the function of their immune system increases as ages.

If the function of the gland is seriously disrupted, the treatment of thymic hypoplasia may include bone marrow transplantation or transplantation of thymus tissues from the donor. Sometimes immunoglobulin therapy can be performed. This involves providing immunoglobulins or antibodies extracted from donated blood plasma. Antibodies are special proteins WHICH will help prevent the body from infection and this type of treatment is put in the vein.

The outlook for a person with tymic hypoplasia partly depends on the level of thymus loss. It is also influenced by the scope in which other organs are, howo is the heart, defective, as part of the digeor syndrome. Problems with behavior, mental health and development can also occur in a state and can make it difficult to master. A team of experts drawn from a number of disciplines is usually required to provide appropriate care.