Immunosuppression

Reduced immune function, occurring naturally with disease (HIV, advanced cancer) or as a treatment effect (chemotherapy, post-transplant medication, biologic agents). Immunosuppressed patients have elevated infection risk peri-operatively and require additional antibiotic prophylaxis, slower wound-healing expectations, and lower thresholds for complications such as sepsis. Some elective procedures are deferred or contraindicated during periods of significant immunosuppression.