Anti-IL12p40 autoantibodies in a teenage girl with multiple recurrent abscesses.

More frequent among adults, phenocopies may be caused by somatic mutations or anti-cytokine autoantibodies, mimicking the phenotypes of primary immunodeficiencies. A fourteen-year-old girl was referred for a two-year history of weight loss and multiple recurrent abscesses, complicated recurrent pneumonia, pyelonephritis, osteomyelitis, and septic shock, without fever. She had started with nausea, hyporexia, and weight loss, then with abscesses in her hands, knee, ankle, and spleen. She also developed a rib fracture and left thoracic herpes zoster. The patient was cachectic, with normal vital signs, bilateral crackles on chest auscultation, tumefaction of the knee joint, and poorly healed wounds in hands and chest, oozing a yellowish fluid. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple bilateral bronchiectases. Laboratory workup reported chronic anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, mild lymphopenia, thrombocytosis, pan-hypergammaglobulinemia, and elevated acute serum reactants. Lymphocyte subsets were low but present. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected via polymerase chain reaction in a bone biopsy specimen from ankle osteomyelitis. Whole-exome sequencing failed to identify a monogenic defect. Interleukin-12 was found markedly elevated in the serum of the patient. Phosphorylation of STAT4, induced by increasing doses of IL-12, was neutralized by patient serum, confirming the presence of anti-IL12 autoantibodies. IL-12 and IL-23 are crucial cytokines in the defense against intracellular microorganisms, the induction of interferon-gamma production by lymphocytes, and other inflammatory functions. Patients who develop neutralizing serum autoantibodies against IL12 manifest late in life with weight loss, multiple recurrent abscesses, poor wound healing, and fistulae. Treatment with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies was effective.

Description of BCG and Tuberculosis Disease in a Cohort of 79 Patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease.

PURPOSE: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited immunodeficiency caused by pathogenic variants of genes encoding the enzyme complex NADPH oxidase. In countries where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic and the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is routinely administered, mycobacteria are major disease-causing pathogens in CGD. However, information on the clinical evolution and treatment of mycobacterial diseases in patients with CGD is limited. The present study describes the adverse reactions to BCG and TB in Mexican patients with CGD. METHODS: Patients with CGD who were evaluated at the Immunodeficiency Laboratory of the National Institute of Pediatrics between 2013 and 2024 were included. Medical records were reviewed to determine the clinical course and treatment of adverse reactions to BCG and TB disease. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients with CGD were included in this study. Adverse reactions to BCG were reported in 55 (72%) of 76 patients who received the vaccine. Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 19 (24%) patients. Relapse was documented in three (10%) of 31 patients with BGC-osis and six (32%) of 19 patients with TB, despite antituberculosis treatment. There was no difference in the frequency of BCG and TB disease between patients with pathogenic variants of the X-linked CYBB gene versus recessive variants. CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights the importance of considering TB in endemic areas and BCG complications in children with CGD to enable appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve prognosis and reduce the risk of relapse.

Clinical Manifestations, Mutational Analysis, and Immunological Phenotype in Patients with RAG1/2 Mutations: First Cases Series from Mexico and Description of Two Novel Mutations.

Mutations in recombinase activating genes 1 and 2 (RAG1/2) result in human severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The products of these genes are essential for V(D)J rearrangement of the antigen receptors during lymphocyte development. Mutations resulting in null-recombination activity in RAG1 or RAG2 are associated with the most severe clinical and immunological phenotypes, whereas patients with hypomorphic mutations may develop leaky SCID, including Omenn syndrome (OS). A group of previously unrecognized clinical phenotypes associated with granulomata and/or autoimmunity have been described as a consequence of hypomorphic mutations. Here, we present six patients from unrelated families with missense variants in RAG1 or RAG2. Phenotypes observed in these patients ranged from OS to severe mycobacterial infections and granulomatous disease. Moreover, we report the first evidence of two variants that had not been associated with immunodeficiency. This study represents the first case series of RAG1- or RAG2-deficient patients from Mexico and Latin America.

[Early detection of WHIM symdrome. A case report]. / Identificación temprana de síndrome de WHIM. Informe de un caso.

BACKGROUND: WHIM syndrome corresponds to an inborn error of innate and intrinsic immunity, characterized by: warts (Warts), Hypogammaglobulinemia, Infections and Myelocathexis, for its acronym in English. CASE REPORT: 4-year-old male, with severe neutropenia and B-cell lymphopenia from birth, without severe infections or warts; the panel genetic sequencing study of primary immunodeficiencies with the CXCR4 c.1000C>T (p.Arg334*) variant, which is associated with WHIM syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of severe neutropenia from birth should include the search for inborn errors of immunity, through genetic sequencing studies, especially in asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic patients.

ANTECEDENTES: El síndrome WHIM corresponde a un error innato de la inmunidad innata e intrínseca, caracterizada por verrugas (Warts), hipogammaglobulinemia, infecciones y mielocatexis, por sus siglas en inglés. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente masculino de 4 años, con neutropenia severa y linfopenia de células B desde el nacimiento, sin infecciones severas ni verrugas. El estudio de secuenciación genética informó la variante CXCR4 c.1000C>T (p.Arg334*), relacionada con el síndrome de WHIM. CONCLUSIÓN: El diagnóstico de neutropenia severa desde el nacimiento debe incluir la búsqueda de errores innatos de la inmunidad, mediante estudios de secuenciación genética, especialmente en pacientes asintomáticos u oligosintomáticos.

[ABCD-10 scale as a predict of mortality in children with severe pharmacodermias. Case report]. / Escala ABCD-10 como predictor de mortalidad en niños con farmacodermias graves. Reporte de caso.

BACKGROUND: The severe pharmacodermias (SF) are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Chronic kidney failure (CKD) related with dialysis is one of the main factors associated with higher mortality. ABCD-10 is a predictive mortality scale that includes the history of dialysis. CASE REPORT: Male 2 years old with a history of CKD on peritoneal dialysis and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, admitted to the hospital due to acute peritonitis and developed SJS-NET secondary to phenytoin administration. He was treated with immunoglobulin and systemic steroid without improvement. Septic shock was added, presenting a fatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In the case presented, the ABCD-10 scale was applied, reporting a greater prediction of mortality compared to SCORTEN due to a history of dialysis. In children with SF there are no validated predictive mortality. Future initiatives should search for risk factors for mortality in children who develop SF for the creation of a predictive mortality scale.

ANTECEDENTES: Las farmacodermias graves se asocian con alta morbilidad y mortalidad. La insuficiencia renal crónica relacionada con diálisis es uno de los principales factores asociados con mortalidad. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente pediátrico masculino de 2 años, con antecedente de insuficiencia renal crónica (en tratamiento con diálisis peritoneal) y síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut, que ingresó al hospital por peritonitis aguda y evolucion a síndrome de Stevens-Johnson-necrólisis epidérmica tóxica, debido a la administración de fenitoína. Recibió tratamiento con inmunoglobulina y corticosteroide sistémico sin mejoría; se agregó choque séptico y posteriormente falleció. CONCLUSIONES: La escala ABCD-10 versus SCORTEN es más efectiva para predecir la mortalidad por antecedente de diálisis. En niños con farmacodermias graves no existen escalas predictoras de mortalidad validadas. Las futuras iniciativas deben buscar factores de riesgo de mortalidad en niños con farmacodermias graves para la creación de una escala predictora de mortalidad.

[Allergy to Pfizer-BioNTech® vaccine demonstrated by skin testing]. / Alergia a la vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech® demostrada mediante pruebas cutáneas.

BACKGROUND: The Pfizer-BioNTech® BNT162b2 vaccine, provides 95% effectiveness from the second dose onwards. The reported rate of anaphylaxis to COVID-19 vaccines is 4.7 cases/million doses administered. CASE REPORT: 30-year-old female, health professional, history of allergic rhinitis, asthma, reaction to eye cosmetics and adhesive tape: erythema, edema, and local pruritus. Immediately after application of the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, she presented grade III anaphylaxis. The patient was stratified, phenotyped and skin tests with PEG 3350 were positive. A recommendation was issued not to reapply vaccine containing polyethylene glycol and alternatives were offered. CONCLUSIONS: An adequate risk stratification should be performed before applying mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines for the first time in at-risk groups. In case of anaphylaxis at the first dose, phenotyping and further study with PEG skin tests should be performed and vaccination alternatives should be offered.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech® BNT162b2 proporciona efectividad del 95% a partir de la segunda dosis. La tasa de anafilaxia reportada de vacunas para COVID-19 es de 4.7 casos por millón de dosis administradas. REPORTE DEL CASO: Paciente femenina de 30 años, profesional de la salud, con antecedentes de rinitis alérgica, asma, reacción a productos cosméticos en los párpados y al pegamento de la cinta adhesiva (eritema, edema y prurito local). Posterior a la aplicación de la primera dosis de la vacuna Pfizer-BioNTechÒ tuvo un evento de anafilaxia grado III. Se estratificó, fenotipificó y efectuaron pruebas cutáneas con PEG-3350, que resultaron positivas. Se sugirió no aplicar la aplicar vacuna de refuerzo que contuviera polietilenglicol y se ofrecieron alternativas de tratamiento. CONCLUSIONES: Es importante efectuar la adecuada estratificación de riesgo antes de aplicar las vacunas para COVID-19 basadas en ARNm por primera vez. En caso de anafilaxia es necesario fenotipificar y ampliar el estudio con pruebas cutáneas con PEG, además de otorgar alternativas de vacunación.

[Hyper-IgM syndrome with early liver involvement]. / Síndrome de hiper-IgM con afectación hepática temprana.

INTRODUCTION: Hyper-IgM syndrome is an innate error of immunity in which there is a defect in change of isotype of immunoglobulins, with decreased values of IgG, IgA, and IgE, but normal or increased level of IgM. This predisposes to infectious processes at the respiratory and gastrointestinal levels, as well as autoimmune diseases and neoplasm. CASE REPORT: A 5 year 7-month-old boy with a history of 2 pneumonias, one of them severe, and chronic diarrhea since he was 2 years old. Persistent moderate neutropenia decreased IgG and elevated IgM. Cytometry flow confirmed absence of CD40L. Clinical evolution with early hepatic involvement. DISCUSSION: Hyper-IgM syndrome predisposes to liver damage, so a complete evaluation is required as well as early diagnosis. Active anti-infective treatment and control of the inflammatory response are key to the treatment of liver damage.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de hiper-IgM es un error innato de la inmunidad, caracterizado por un defecto en el cambio de isotipo de inmunoglobulina, con valores disminuidos de IgG, IgA e IgE, y concentraciones normales o elevadas de IgM. Predispone a procesos infecciosos en el sistema respiratorio y aparato gastrointestinal, además de enfermedades autoinmunes y neoplasias. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente pediátrico de género masculino, de 5 años y 7 meses de edad, con antecedente de dos cuadros de neumonía (uno de estos grave) y diarrea crónica desde los 2 años. Neutropenia moderada persistente, disminución de la concentración de IgG y elevación de IgM. La citometría de flujo confirmó la ausencia de CD40L. Durante la evolución clínica tuvo afectación hepática temprana. CONCLUSIÓn: El síndrome de hiper-IgM predispone a daño hepático, por lo que se requiere la evaluación completa y el diagnóstico oportuno. El tratamiento antiinfeccioso activo y el control de la respuesta inflamatoria son factores decisivos para establecer el tratamiento del daño hepático.

[Clinical characteristics of primary immunodeficiencies in children from a tertiary hospital]. / Características clínicas de las inmunodeficiencias primarias en niños de un hospital de tercer nivel.

BACKGROUND: Primary immunodeficiencies are diseases that are caused by one or more defects in the immune system. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the article is to describe the characteristics of the immunodeficiencies that were diagnosed in a pediatric hospital, which forms a reference center in the West of Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of pediatric patients with primary immunodeficiency in a pediatric hospital in Guadalajara, Jalisco. RESULTS: 60 patients were registered, of which 21% were female, and 78% were male. Predominant immunodeficiencies of antibodies formed the largest group (46% of patients). X-linked agammaglobulinemia was the most frequent immunodeficiency (21%); other frequent diagnoses were common variable immunodeficiency, and IgG subclass deficiency. The average age of the patients that were diagnosed was of 6.3 years. The most common initial manifestations were infectious processes (46%), and pneumonia was the frequent diagnosis (30%). Autoimmune manifestations were observed in 13% of patients; 67% of the patients were found with immunoglobulin replacement therapy, with which a decrease in hospitalizations from 3.2 times to 0.13 times was observed. There were two deceased patients due to surgical complications of cardiac correction and intestinal reconnection. CONCLUSION: Knowing the behavior of primary immune deficiencies in our environment allows the opening of areas of opportunity in order to improve the survival and quality of life of our patients.

Antecedentes: Las inmunodeficiencias primarias son un grupo de enfermedades causadas por uno más defectos del sistema inmunitario. Objetivo: Describir las características de las inmunodeficiencias diagnosticadas en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel, que constituye un centro de referencia en el Occidente de México. Métodos: Estudio transversal de pacientes pediátricos con inmunodeficiencias primarias atendidos en un hospital pediátrico en Guadalajara, Jalisco. Resultados: Se registraron 60 pacientes, 21 % mujeres y 78 % hombres. Las inmunodeficiencias predominantes de anticuerpos constituyeron el grupo más numeroso (46 %). La agammaglobulinemia ligada al cromosoma X fue la inmunodeficiencia más frecuente, con 21 % del registro. Otros diagnósticos frecuentes fueron inmunodeficiencia común variable y deficiencia de subclases de IgG. El promedio de edad al diagnóstico fue de 6.3 años. Las manifestación inicial más común fueron los procesos infecciosos (46 %) y la neumonía fue el diagnóstico más frecuente (30 %). Las manifestaciones autoinmunes se observaron en 13 % de los pacientes; 67 % de los pacientes se encontró con sustitución de inmunoglobulina, con la cual se observó disminución en las hospitalizaciones: de 3.2 a 0.13 veces. Fallecieron dos pacientes por complicaciones quirúrgicas de corrección cardiaca y reconexión intestinal. Conclusión: El conocimiento del comportamiento de las inmunodeficiencias primarias en nuestro medio permite apertura de áreas de oportunidad a fin de mejorar la supervivencia y calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Compromising between European and US allergen immunotherapy schools: Discussions from GUIMIT, the Mexican immunotherapy guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has a longstanding history and still remains the only disease-changing treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Over the years 2 different schools have developed their strategies: the United States (US) and the European. Allergen extracts available in these regions are adapted to local practice. In other parts of the world, extracts from both regions and local ones are commercialized, as in Mexico. Here, local experts developed a national AIT guideline (GUIMIT 2019) searching for compromises between both schools. METHODS: Using ADAPTE methodology for transculturizing guidelines and AGREE-II for evaluating guideline quality, GUIMIT selected 3 high-quality Main Reference Guidelines (MRGs): the European Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (EAACI) guideines, the S2k guideline of various German-speaking medical societies (2014), and the US Practice Parameters on Allergen Immunotherapy 2011. We formulated clinical questions and based responses on the fused evidence available in the MRGs, combined with local possibilities, patient's preference, and costs. We came across several issues on which the MRGs disagreed. These are presented here along with arguments of GUIMIT members to resolve them. GUIMIT (for a complete English version, Supplementary data) concluded the following. RESULTS: Related to the diagnosis of IgE-mediated respiratory allergy, apart from skin prick testing complementary tests (challenges, in vitro testing and molecular such as species-specific allergens) might be useful in selected cases to inform AIT composition. AIT is indicated in allergic rhinitis and suggested in allergic asthma (once controlled) and IgE-mediated atopic dermatitis. Concerning the correct subcutaneous AIT dose for compounding vials according to the US school: dosing tables and formula are given; up to 4 non-related allergens can be mixed, refraining from mixing high with low protease extracts. When using European extracts: the manufacturer's indications should be followed; in multi-allergic patients 2 simultaneous injections can be given (100% consensus); mixing is discouraged. In Mexico only allergoid tablets are available; based on doses used in all sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) publications referenced in MRGs, GUIMIT suggests a probable effective dose related to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) might be: 50-200% of the monthly SCIT dose given daily, maximum mixing 4 allergens. Also, a table with practical suggestions on non-evidence-existing issues, developed with a simplified Delphi method, is added. Finally, dissemination and implementation of guidelines is briefly discussed, explaining how we used online tools for this in Mexico. CONCLUSIONS: Countries where European and American AIT extracts are available should adjust AIT according to which school is followed.

[GUIMIT 2019, Mexican Guideline on Immunotherapy. Guideline on the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergic disease and immunotherapy following the ADAPTE approach]. / GUIMIT 2019, Guía Mexicana de Inmunoterapia. Guía de diagnóstico de alergia mediada por IgE e inmunoterapia aplicando el método ADAPTE.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and immunotherapy with hymenoptera venom (VIT) is traditionally practiced combining aspects of the European and American school. In addition, both types of extracts (European and American) are commercially available in Mexico. Moreover, for an adequate AIT/VIT a timely diagnosis is crucial. Therefore, there is a need for a widely accepted, up-to-date national immunotherapy guideline that covers diagnostic issues, indications, dosage, mechanisms, adverse effects and future expectations of AIT (GUIMIT 2019). METHOD: With nationwide groups of allergists participating, including delegates from postgraduate training-programs in Allergy/Immunology-forming, the guideline document was developed according to the ADAPTE methodology: the immunotherapy guidelines from European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology, The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology were selected as mother guidelines, as they received the highest AGREE-II score among international guidelines available; their evidence conforms the scientific basis for this document. RESULTS: GUIMIT emanates strong or weak (suggestions) recommendations about practical issues directly related to in vivo or in vitro diagnosis of IgE mediated allergic diseases and the preparation and application of AIT/VIT and its adverse effects. GUIMIT finishes with a perspective on AIT modalities for the future. All the statements were discussed and voted on until > 80 % consensus was reached. CONCLUSIONS: A wide and diverse group of AIT/VIT experts issued transculturized, evidence-based recommendations and reached consensus that might improve and standardize AIT practice in Mexico.

Antecedentes: En México, la inmunoterapia con alérgenos (ITA) y con veneno de himenópteros (VIT) se practica tradicionalmente combinando criterios de las escuelas europea y estadounidense; los dos tipos de extractos están comercialmente disponibles en México. Para una ITA adecuada es crucial un diagnóstico oportuno. Objetivo: Presentar GUIMIT 2019, Guía Mexicana de Inmunoterapia 2019, de base amplia, actualizada, que abarca temas de diagnóstico, indicaciones, dosificación, mecanismos, efectos adversos de la ITA y expectativas con esta modalidad de tratamiento. Método: Con la participación de múltiples grupos mexicanos de alergólogos, que incluían los centros formadores universitarios en alergia e inmunología, se desarrolló el documento de la guía según la metodología ADAPTE. Las guías de inmunoterapia de la European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology y del American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology se seleccionaron como guías fuente, ya que recibieron la puntuación AGREE-II más alta entre las guías internacionales disponibles; su evidencia conforma la base científica de GUIMIT 2019. Resultados: En GUIMIT 2019 se emiten recomendaciones fuertes o débiles (sugerencias) acerca de temas directamente relacionados con el diagnóstico in vivo o in vitro de las enfermedades alérgicas mediadas por IgE, la preparación y aplicación de ITA o VIT y sus efectos adversos; se incluye la revisión de las modalidades de ITA para el futuro. Todos los argumentos que se exponen fueron discutidos y votados con > 80 % de aprobación. Conclusión: Un grupo amplio y diverso de expertos en ITA y VIT emitió recomendaciones transculturizadas basadas en evidencia, que alcanzaron consenso; con ellas se pretende mejorar y homologar la práctica de la inmunoterapia en México.

[Latex sensitization prevalence through prick test in patients with genitourinary malformations and more than 3 surgeries]. / Prevalencia de sensibilización al látex mediante prueba cutánea (prick test) en pacientes con malformaciones genitourinarias con más de tres intervenciones quirúrgicas.

BACKGROUND: Latex allergy is a public health issue. It presents elevated prevalence in known risk groups, especially in those patients with spine bifida condition, urinal malformation and for those with orthopedic problems - multiple surgeries. Health Services in Mexico do not have the enough studies about prevalence and risk associated to latex allergy. OBJECTIVE: Determine latex sensitization prevalence through PRICK test in patients with genitourinary malformations and more than 3 surgeries in UMAE pediatric CMNO unit, considering too related factors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study was performed, which included men and women from 1 to 16 years with genitourinary malformations and more than three surgeries performed. A survey to know the risk factors associated and skin puncture test was performed with latex extract, with positive and negative control. Serum levels of total IgE and eosinophils were measured in peripheral blood. RESULTS: The study exposed prevalence of 30.72%. Related to associated factors as follows: atopy (p=0.047), previous antecedent reaction to latex products (p=0.003) specific for balloons (p=0.000) and gloves (p=0.002). There was not association related to amount of surgeries and surgical interventions on early age, either for high levels of total serum IgE. CONCLUSION: Prevalence to latex sensitization is high in risk groups. Especially in those with atopy thereby is important for health personal to identify these patients in order to implement on time the preventive primary/secondary measures. With these actions potential mortal risks like anaphylaxis will be avoided. This will decrease sanitary costs and mortality.

Antecedentes: la alergia al látex tiene alta prevalencia en grupos de riesgo conocidos, especialmente en pacientes con espina bífida, malformaciones urinarias y ortopédicas con múltiples cirugías. En México no se cuenta con suficientes estudios que reporten la prevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de sensibilización al látex mediante prueba de prick con extracto de látex en pacientes con malformaciones genitourinarias y más de tres cirugías en la Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, así como los factores asociados. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico y descriptivo, que incluyó hombres y mujeres de 1 a 16 años, con malformaciones genitourinarias y más de tres cirugías. Se aplicó una encuesta para conocer los factores de riesgo asociados y se realizó prueba cutánea por punción con extracto de látex, con control positivo y negativo. Se midieron niveles séricos de IgE total y eosinófilos en sangre periférica. Resultados: la prevalencia encontrada fue de 30.7% y los factores de riesgo asociados: atopia personal (p=0.047), antecedente de reacción previa con productos con látex (p=0.003), específicamente con globos (p=0.000) y guantes (p=0.002). No hubo asociación entre el número de cirugías e intervenciones quirúrgicas a edades tempranas, tampoco con concentraciones elevadas de IgE sérica total. Tuvieron reacción cruzada a frutas-látex 25% de los pacientes, los alimentos asociados fueron: aguacate, papaya, fresa y kiwi. Conclusión: la prevalencia de sensibilización al látex es alta en los grupos de riesgo, sobre todo con antecedente de atopia, por lo que es importante que el personal de salud identifique a estos pacientes a fin de implementar oportunamente las medidas de prevención primaria y secundaria; evitar efectos severos potencialmente mortales, como la anafilaxia, para disminuir la morbilidad y la mortalidad y los costos sanitarios.