Agents That Affect Immunity

Immune System FunctionsRecognize and dispose of foreign

material such as: -Bacteria -Worms -Viruses -Drugs -Fungi -Food -Protozoa -Transplanted

organs

2

Immune System

Responds to foreign agents (antigens)Forms antibodiesRecognizes and destroys antigensReason for an allergic reaction

3

The Immune SystemMast cells Large tissue cells promotes inflammation increases permeability of blood vesselsPMN’s ’scavenger’ white blood cells contains powerful antibacterial enzymesMacrophages -large tissue cells -removes damaged cells, bacteria, and other

debris4

Immune ResponsesExposure to environmental antigensImmune system may overreactResults in an allergic responseCan be decreased by desensitizationBody may reject own tissueAutoimmune responseRheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus

erythematosus (SLE)Organ graft

5

Immune ResponsesNormal response requires a series of

interactionsDefects cause decreased effectiveness of

immune systemIncreases susceptibility to infectionCauses could include: -genetic defects -aging -immunosuppressant drug use -HIV/AIDS

6

Types of Immunity

Active immunity Administration of an antigen, a weakened or killed vaccine

Stimulates your immune system to form antibodies against the disease

Lasts for many years7

Types of Immunity

Passive Immunity Administration of preformed antibodiesIgG antibodies

Provides instant protection

Short duration8

Nursing ConsiderationsObtain a full history, including allergies,

pregnancy, immune status, medical condition, and past response to immunizations, prior to giving the vaccines

Follow directions for administration and storage of the vaccines

Have emergency equipment availableDeltoid muscle or vastus lateralis muscle for

IM injection sites

9

Nursing Considerations

Ibuprofen or Tylenol for premedication

Observe the patient after the vaccine administration for any distress

Keep accurate recordsEducate patients on side effects of

vaccines and symptoms to report10

Interferons and InterleukinsSynthetic IM injectionStimulate the immune and inflammatory response Assist with communication between the cells of the immune (and other) system(s)

11

Interferons and Interleukins(cont’d)

They are used to:Treat cancer Stimulate T cell productionPromote blood cell formationTreat several inflammatory diseases

12

Immunosuppressant AgentsExamples: Azathioprine/Imuran,

Cyclosporine/Sandimmune, CellCeptPrevent organ rejection after transplantUsed in combination with corticosteroid

therapyCombined with corticosteroidsTotal mechanism of action is unclear

They suppress T lymphocytes

13

Immunosuppressant AgentsMust be taken every day- no missed dosesCompliance necessarySide effects/Adverse effects:

Nephrotoxicity, tremor, HTN, gum hyperplasia, nausea…

14

Immunosuppressant AgentsMany Drug-Drug interactions

Medication changes should be cleared through the transplant physician

Clients need to avoid infections -Instruct to wear a mask if going outImmunosuppressant agents are expensive

-Cost $50,000/year or more

15