Explain the process of immunosuppression and the effect it has on body systems.

 

However, immunosuppression can have significant effects on the body systems. The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the body from infections and diseases. When the immune system is suppressed, the body becomes more susceptible to infections, and the infections can be more severe and difficult to treat. This is because the immune system is not able to mount an effective response to the invading pathogens.

Immunosuppression can also lead to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers, such as lymphoma and skin cancer. This is because the immune system plays a critical role in identifying and destroying abnormal cells that can lead to cancer.

Furthermore, immunosuppressive medications can have adverse effects on other body systems. For example, long-term use of corticosteroids like prednisone can lead to osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and increased risk of infections. Methotrexate can cause liver damage and increase the risk of infections. Atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication, can cause muscle pain and weakness.

In the case of the patient with rheumatoid arthritis, the immunosuppressive medications he was taking likely contributed to his increased susceptibility to invasive aspergillosis, a fungal infection that can be life-threatening in immunocompromised individuals. The patient’s symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, fatigue, chest pain, coughing, and hemoptysis are all consistent with invasive aspergillosis.

In conclusion, immunosuppression can have significant effects on the body systems, including an increased risk of infections, certain types of cancers, and adverse effects on other body systems. It is important for healthcare providers to carefully monitor patients who are taking immunosuppressive medications and to promptly identify and treat any infections that may occur

Reference:

Dandachi, D., Wilson Dib, R., Fernández-Cruz, A., Jiang, Y., Chaftari, A. M., Hachem, R., & Raad, I. (2018). Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with solid tumours: risk factors and predictors of clinical outcomes. Annals of medicine, 50(8), 713–720. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2018.1518581

Teixeira da Silva, F., Romano, M., Esteves, A., Carvalho, J., & Ferreira, M. (2020). Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in an (Apparently) Immunocompetent Patient. Cureus, 12(9), e10238. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.10238

(Grulich et al., 2007; Schulz, 2009; Wieland et al., 2014),  

Ben-Baruch A. Inflammation-associated immune suppression in cancer: the roles played by cytokines, chemokines and additional mediators. Semin Cancer Biol. 2006;16:38-52.,