Supervivenciade pacientes pediátricos con inmunodeficiencias primarias en un hospital público del occidente de México / Survival of pediatric patients with primary immunodeficiencies in a public hospital in western Mexico

Se presenta una serie de casos de inmunodeficiencias primarias y se describen las variables asociadas a supervivencia en pacientes ≤ 16 años. Los diagnósticos fueron acordes a los criterios de la Unión Internacional de las Sociedades de Inmunología. Se realizó un análisis de supervivencia mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier.Entre los años 2004 y 2019, se diagnosticaron 40 pacientes con inmunodeficiencias primarias. Las más frecuentes fueron inmunodeficiencias que afectaban la inmunidad celular y humoral, el 32,5 %, y deficiencias predominantemente de anticuerpos, el 32,5 %. La mediana de edad al inicio de los síntomas y al momento del diagnóstico fue de 3,01 y 10,4 meses, respectivamente. Fallecieron el 35 % y el riesgo fue mayor en pacientes con inmunodeficiencias que afectaban la inmunidad celular y humoral y en quienes presentaron manifestaciones clínicas y tuvieron el diagnóstico en los primeros seis meses de vida.

A case series of primary immunodeficiencies is presented and outcome measures associated with survival among patients ≤ 16 years old are described. Diagnoses were made based on the criteria by the International Union of Immunological Societies. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves.Between 2004 and 2019, 40 patients were diagnosed with primary immunodeficiencies. The most common were immunodeficiencies affecting humoral and cell-mediated immunity (32.5 %) and predominantly antibody deficiencies (32.5 %). The median age at the onset of symptoms and at the time of diagnosis was 3.01 and 10.4 months, respectively. Thirty-five percent of patients died, and the risk was higher among those with immunodeficiencies affecting humoral and cell-mediated immunity and those who developed clinical manifestations and were diagnosed in the first 6 months of life

Inborn Errors of Immunity: how to diagnose them?

Abstract Objectives: Inborn Errors of Immunity are characterized by infectious conditions and manifestations of immune dysregulation. The diversity of clinical phenotypes can make it difficult to direct the laboratory investigation. This article aims to update the investigation of immunological competence in the context of primary defects of the immune system. Source of data: Searches were carried out on Pubmed to review articles published in the last five years, in English, French or Spanish, using the terms "diagnosis" OR "investigation" AND "immunodeficiency" or "primary immunodeficiency" or "inborn errors of immunity" NOT "HIV". Recent textbook editions have also been consulted. Summary of findings: The immune system competence investigation should be started based on clinical phenotypes. Relevant data are: characterization of infectious conditions (location, recurrence, types of infectious agents, response to treatment), age during symptom onset and associated manifestations (growth impairment, allergy, autoimmunity, malignancies, fever and signs of inflammation without the identification of infection or autoimmunity) and family history. These data contribute to the selection of tests to be performed. Conclusions: The diagnostic investigation of Inborn Errors of Immunity should be guided by the clinical characterization of patients, aiming to optimize the use of complementary tests. Many diagnoses are attained only through genetic tests, which are not always available. However, the absence of a diagnosis of certainty should never delay the implementation of therapeutic measures that preserve patient life and health.

Immunological deficiencies: more frequent than they seem to be

Abstract Objective: A review article was carried out, addressing the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of immune system deficiencies, which are associated with or predispose to recurrent infectious processes, autoimmune diseases, auto inflammatory diseases, or neoplasms, and which are classified as inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and secondary immunodeficiencies (SID). Emphasis was placed on the classification of the main signs and symptoms for each organ and system, which will serve as warning signs, to guide the pediatrician in the investigation of the main IEI. In addition, the main secondary changes in the immune system triggered by infections (with emphasis on COVID-19), drugs, chronic diseases, metabolic and nutritional disorders were identified. Sources of data: This review included articles published in the last five years and that were identified in the MEDLINE platform (PubMed). Summary of findings: The recurrence of infectious processes, associated with the severity of the condition and/or unusual profile of the infectious agent, always related to the age range of symptom onset, are the most important findings for suspected diagnosis. Conclusions: Considering this scenario, immunity disorders should be part of the investigation carried out by the general pediatrician, whether they are the innate errors of immunity (primary immunodeficiencies) or secondary immunodeficiencies, so that the diagnosis is attained as early as possible and therapeutic measures are implemented, reducing the morbidity and mortality of these patients.

Combined immunodeficiencies

Abstract Objectives: Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI), also known as primary immunodeficiencies, correspond to a heterogeneous group of congenital diseases that primarily affect immune response components. The main clinical manifestations comprise increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmunity, inflammation, allergies and malignancies. The aim of this article is to review the literature on combined immunodeficiencies (CIDs) focusing on the diagnosis and treatment and the particularities of the clinical management of these patients. Source of data: Critical integrative review, aimed to present articles related to primary immunodeficiencies combined with a searchin the PubMed and SciELO databases, with evaluation of publications from the last twenty years that were essential for the construction of knowledge on this group of diseases. Summary of data: We highlight the main characteristics of CIDs, dividing them according to their pathophysiological mechanisms, such as defects in the development of T cells, TCR signaling, co-stimulatory pathways, cytokine signaling, adhesion, migration and organization of the cytoskeleton, apoptosis pathways, DNA replication and repair and metabolic pathways. In CIDs, clinical manifestations vary widely, from sinopulmonary bacterial infections and diarrhea to opportunistic infections, caused by mycobacteria and fungi. Neonatal screening makes it possible to suspect these diseases before clinical manifestations appear. Conclusions: The CIDs or IEI constitute a complex group of genetic diseases with T-cell involvement. Neonatal screening for these diseases has improved the prognosis of these patients, especially in severe ones, known as SCIDs.

Genetic-molecular characterization in the diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies

Abstract Objectives: To rescue medical genetics concepts that are necessary to understand the advances in the genetic-molecular characterization of primary immunodeficiencies, to help in the understanding and adequate interpretation of their results. Source of data: Non-systematic literature review, searching for articles since 2000 on PubMed using the terms "genetic evaluation" OR "whole exome sequence" or "whole genome sequence" OR "next generation sequence" AND "immunologic deficiency syndromes" OR "Immune deficiency disease" OR "immune deficiency" NOT HIV. Summary of the data: Knowledge of medical genetics is essential for the understanding of the principles of heredity and disease inheritance patterns, types of genetic variants, types of genetic sequencing and interpretation of their results. The clinical and immunophenotypic evaluation of each patient is essential for the correlation with the genetic variants observed in the genetic study of patients with primary immunodeficiencies. The discussion of the benefits and limitations of genetic tests should always guide the performance of genetic tests. Conclusions: There are many evident benefits of genetic analysis, such as the definitive diagnosis of the disease, family genetic counseling, and the possibility of a more adequate and accurate management. Cost, access and interpretation of genetic test results are limitations that need continuous improvement. The understanding of the benefits and limits of the several genetic assessment methodologies related to primary immunodeficiencies is essential to obtain more effective results from the sequencing.

Clinical features of children with immunodeficiency and / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical features of @*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of children with immunodeficiency and @*RESULTS@#The onset age in the PID group was significantly lower than those in the control and SID groups (@*CONCLUSIONS@#Children with immunodeficiency and

Deficiencia de anticuerpos específicos en pacientes pediátricos con infecciones respiratorias recurrentes / Specific antibody deficiency in pediatric patients with recurrent respiratory infections

One of the most frequent consultations in pediatric immunology corresponds to patients with recurrent respiratory infections. The most frequent clinical conditions for what they consult are recurrent viral infections, recurrent acute otitis media, recurrent sinusitis and recurrent pneumonia. Approximately 10% of patients who consult for these conditions may have a specific antibody deficiency. Specific antibody deficiency is a type of primary immunodeficiency, which is classified within the humoral deficit group, where there is a failure in the immune response for polysaccharide antigens with normal immunoglobulin levels. The diagnosis must be made since 2 years old, when the immune system acquires the ability to present a humoral response to polysaccharide antigens. In an undetermined percentage of patients, the specific antibody deficit can be resolved with the maturity of the immune system and there are patients who require prolonged treatment with antibiotic prophylaxis and gamma globulin.

Una de las consultas más frecuentes en inmunología pediátrica corresponde a pacientes con infecciones respiratorias recurrentes. Los cuadros clínicos más frecuentes por lo que consultan son infecciones virales recurrentes, otitis media aguda recurrente, sinusitis recurrente y neumonía recurrente. Aproximadamente el 10% de los pacientes que consultan por estos cuadros puede presentar una deficiencia de anticuerpos específica. La deficiencia anticuerpo específica es un tipo de inmunodeficiencia primaria, que se clasifica dentro del grupo de déficit humorales, en donde existe una falla en la respuesta inmune para antígenos polisacáridos con niveles de inmunoglobulinas normales. El diagnóstico se debe realizar después de los 2 años que es cuando el sistema inmune adquiere la capacidad de presentar respuesta humoral a antígenos polisacáridos. En un porcentaje no determinado de pacientes, el déficit de anticuerpos específicos se puede resolver con la madurez del sistema inmunológico y existen pacientes que requieren tratamiento prolongado con profilaxis antibiótica y gamaglobulina.

Diagnóstico tardío de síndrome WHIM / Late diagnosis of WHIM sydrome

El síndrome WHIM es una inmunodeficiencia primaria de herencia autosómica dominante, debida a mutaciones en el gen CXCR4, que se caracteriza por verrugas cutáneo-mucosas, hipogammaglobulinemia, infecciones bacterianas recurrentes y mielocatesis. El tratamiento se basa en el uso de antibióticos profilácticos, gammaglobulina en dosis sustitutiva y factores estimulantes de colonias de granulocitos o de granulocitos y macrófagos, en forma crónica. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 21 años que comenzó a los 10 meses de edad con leucopenia y al siguiente año múltiples infecciones con hipogammaglobulinemia requiriendo gammaglobulina endovenosa durante los episodios. Evolucionó con neutropenia crónica. Una punción aspiración de médula ósea mostró la serie mieloide aumentada con ligero predominio de elementos inmaduros. El cuadro fue interpretado como inmunodeficiencia común variable debido a la asociación de múltiples cuadros infecciosos, niveles disminuidos de IgG, IgM e IgA y linfopenia con disminución de linfocitos B de memoria, por lo que comenzó tratamiento sustitutivo con gammaglobulina endovenosa más antibióticos profilácticos. A los 20 años se registraron pequeñas verrugas en manos que progresaron hacia antebrazos, abdomen, cara y rodillas. Se realizaron estudios moleculares para la búsqueda de mutaciones en el gen CXCR4 donde se detectó la mutación p.Arg334STOP en estado heterocigota confirmando el diagnóstico de síndrome WHIM, que es una inmunodeficiencia infrecuente y de difícil diagnóstico.

WHIM syndrome is a primary autosomal dominant immuno deficiency due to CXCR4 mutations characterized by mucocutaneous warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent bacterial infections and myelokathesis. Treatment consists in prophylactic antibiotics, immunoglobulin replacement and granulocyte or granulocyte/monocyte colony stimulating factors. We present the case of a 21 year old woman who showed leukopenia at 10 months of age and one year later multiple infections with hypogammaglobulinemia requiring intravenous immunoglobulin. During follow up she developed chronic neutropenia. A bone marrow aspiration showed increased myeloid series with predominance of immature elements. On the basis of infections, low levels of IgG, IgA, IgM and lymphopenia with absent memory B cells, a diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency was made. She started intravenous immunoglobulin replacement and prophylactic antibiotics. At age 20, small warts in hands that progressed to forearms, knees, abdomen and face were recorded. CXCR4 gene sequencing was done detecting a heterozygous p.Arg334STOP mutation, confirming WHIM syndrome. This disease is infrequent and difficult to diagnose.

Deficiencia de anticuerpos específicos: inmunodeficiencia primaria asociada a alergia respiratoria / Specific antibody deficiency: primary immunodeficiency associated to respiratory allergy

La deficiencia de anticuerpos específicos con inmunoglobulinas séricas y linfocitos B normales (SAD) es una inmunodeficiencia primaria caracterizada por una capacidad alterada de responder a antígenos específicos, especialmente polisacáridos. OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas de pacientes con SAD y destacar la asociación entre una inmunodeficiencia primaria y enfermedades alérgicas. Pacientes y Método: Estudio descriptivo en enfermos con SAD atendidos en un hospital público entre agosto de 2007 y julio de 2015. Se descartó otra inmunodeficiencia primaria o secundaria. El diagnóstico se basó en infecciones recurrentes y una respuesta anormal a la vacuna neumocócica polisacárida con medición de IgG específica para 10 serotipos de neumococo. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 12 pacientes, 4 varones, con una edad promedio de 6 años; predominaron las neumonías recurrentes (91,7%) y otras infecciones respiratorias e invasivas. Los 12 enfermos con SAD tenían asma asociada; 11, rinitis alérgica y otras alergias. Tres pacientes no respondieron a ninguno de los 10 serotipos contenidos en la vacuna neumocócica polisacárida y la mayoría de los que lo hicieron fue a títulos bajos. El tratamiento con vacuna neumocócica conjugada fue favorable en 11/12 enfermos. CONCLUSIÓN: En niños mayores de 2 años con infecciones respiratorias recurrentes o infecciones invasivas por S. pneumoniae con inmunoglobulinas normales recomendamos investigar SAD, más aún si tienen enfermedad alérgica asociada.

Specific antibody deficiency (SAD) with normal immunoglobulin and normal B cells is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by reduced ability to produce antibodies to specific antigens especially polysaccharides. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with SAD emphasizing the association between primary immunodeficiency and allergic diseases. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Descriptive study showing patients with SAD treated at a public hospital between August 2007 and July 2015. Other secondary or primary immunodeficiency was discarded. The diagnosis of SAD was based on recurrent infections and abnormal response to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine assessed by specific IgG to 10 pneumococcal serotypes. Results: Twelve patients were included, 4 males, mean age 6 years, recurrent pneumonia predominated (91.7%) as well as other respiratory and invasive infections. All patients with SAD had associated asthma, 11 had allergic rhinitis, and other allergies. Three patients did not respond to any of the 10 serotypes contained in pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, and those who responded were with low titers. Treatment with conjugate pneumococcal vaccine was favorable in 11/12 patients. CONCLUSION: In children older than 2 years with recurrent respiratory infections or invasive S. pneumoniae infections with normal immunoglobulin we recommend to investigate SAD, especially if they have a concurrent allergic disease.

Inmunodeficiencias primarias en niños gravemente enfermos: a propósito de 3 casos clínicos / Primary immunodeficiencies in seriously ill children: Report of 3 clinical cases

Las inmunodeficiencias primarias (IDP) son enfermedades congénitas causadas por alteraciones cuantitativas o funcionales de la respuesta inmunitaria. Se caracterizan por predisposición a infecciones, autoinmunidad, alergia y enfermedades linfoproliferativas. Objetivo: Reportar 3 casos de lactantes menores con IDP que se manifestaron como infecciones graves de curso inhabitual. Casos clínicos: Se presentan 3 pacientes diagnosticados como IDP en su estadía en la Unidad de Paciente Crítico Pediátrico. El primero corresponde a un lactante de 4 meses con neumonía multifocal extensa a quien se diagnosticó un síndrome de inmunodeficiencia combinada severa ligada a X; el segundo es un lactante de 8 meses que se manifestó como una adenitis mesentérica por Candida lusitaniae y que correspondió a enfermedad granulomatosa crónica, y el tercero se trata de un lactante de 6 meses que se presentó con un ectima por Pseudomona y se diagnosticó una agammaglobulinemia ligada a X. Conclusión: El diagnóstico de IDP debe sospecharse en presencia de una infección de evolución arrastrada que no responde a tratamiento habitual. Se discuten los casos y se presenta una puesta al día de las patologías diagnosticadas.

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) are congenital disorders secondary to an impaired immune response. Infections, autoimmune disorders, atopy, and lymphoproliferative syndromes are commonly associated with this disorder. Objective: To present and discuss 3 infants diagnosed with PID. Clinical cases: The cases are presented of three patients with PID diagnosed during their first admission to a Paediatric Intensive Critical Care Unit. The first patient, a 4-month-old infant affected by a severe pneumonia, and was diagnosed as a Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease. The second patient was an 8-month-old infant with Candida lusitaniae mesenteric adenitis, and diagnosed with a Chronic Granulomatous Disease. The last patient, a 6-month-old infant presented with ecthyma gangrenosum and X-linked agammaglobulinaemia. Conclusion: PID should be suspected when an infectious disease does not responde to the appropriate therapy within the expected period. An update of each disease is presented.

Rare case of nephrotic syndrome: Schimke syndrome / Caso raro de síndrome nefrótica: síndrome de Schimke

Abstract Schimke syndrome corresponds to dysplasia of bone and immunity, associated with progressive renal disease secondary to nephrotic syndrome cortico-resistant, with possible other abnormalities such as hypothyroidism and blond marrow aplasia. It is a rare genetic disorder, with few reports in the literature. The most frequent renal involvement is nephrotic syndrome with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and progressive renal failure. The objective of this study was to report a case of Schimke syndrome, diagnostic investigation and management of the case.

Resumo A síndrome Schimke corresponde à displasia imuno-óssea, associada à doença renal progressiva secundária à síndrome nefrótica córtico-resistente, podendo haver outras anormalidades como hipotireoidismo e aplasia de medula óssea. Trata-se de uma patologia genética rara, com poucos relatos na literatura. O acometimento renal mais frequente é uma síndrome nefrótica por glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal e falência renal progressiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de síndrome de Schimke, investigação diagnóstica e condução do caso.

Primary immunodeficiency investigation in patients during and after hospitalization in a pediatric Intensive Care Unit / Investigacion de inmunodeficiencias primarias en pacientes durante y despues de la hospitalizacion en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva pediatrica / Investigacao de imunodeficiencias primarias em pacientes durante e apos hospitalizacao em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva pediatrica

Objective: To analyze whether the patients with severe infections, admitted in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, underwent the active screening for primary immunodeficiencies (PID). Methods: Retrospective study that assessed the data records of patients with any severe infections admitted in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, covering a period from January 2011 to January 2012, in order to confirm if they performed an initial investigation for PID with blood count and immunoglobulin dosage. Results: In the studied period, 53 children were hospitalized with severe infections in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and only in seven (13.2%) the initial investigation of PID was performed. Among these patients, 3/7 (42.8%) showed quantitative alterations in immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, 1/7 (14.3%) had the diagnosis of cyclic neutropenia, and 1/7 (14.3%) presented thrombocytopenia and a final diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Therefore, the PID diagnosis was confirmed in 5/7 (71.4%) of the patients. Conclusions: The investigation of PID in patients with severe infections has not been routinely performed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Our findings suggest the necessity of performing PID investigation in this group of patients. .

Objetivo: Verificar si los pacientes internados en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica del Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad Federal de Uberlândia (Brasil) con infecciones graves fueron sometidos a la busca activa de inmunodeficiencias primarias (IDP). Métodos: Estudio transversal retrospectivo realizado en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de cualquier infección grave admitidos de enero de 2011 a enero de 2012. Se verificó si los pacientes admitidos realizaron la investigación inicial para IDP con hemograma y dosis de inmunoglobulinas. Resultados: En el periodo estudiado, 53 niños fueron internados con infecciones graves, siendo que solamente siete (13,2%) realizaron investigación inicial para IDP. De esos pacientes, 3/7 (42,8%) tenían alteraciones cuantitativas de los niveles de inmunoglobulinas G (IgG), 1/7 (14,3%) presentó diagnóstico de neutropenia cíclica y 1/7 (14,3%), plaquetopenia y diagnóstico de síndrome de Wiskott-Aldrich. Por lo tanto, el diagnóstico de IDP se confirmó en 5/7 (71,4%) de los pacientes. Conclusiones: La investigación de IDP en pacientes con infecciones graves no viene siendo realizada de manera rutinera en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica. Nuestros hallazgos confirman la necesidad de investigar las IDP en ese grupo de pacientes. .

Objetivo: Verificar se os pacientes internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia com infecções graves foram submetidos à busca ativa de imunodeficiências primárias (IDP). Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo realizado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica. Incluíram-se pacientes com diagnóstico de qualquer infecção grave admitidos de janeiro de 2011 a janeiro de 2012. Verificou-se se os pacientes admitidos realizaram a investigação inicial para IDP com hemograma e dosagem de imunoglobulinas. Resultados: No período estudado, 53 crianças foram internadas com infecções graves, sendo que apenas sete (13,2%) realizaram investigação inicial para IDP. Desses pacientes, 3/7 (42,8%) tinham alterações quantitativas dos níveis de imunoglobulina G (IgG), 1/7 (14,3%) apresentou diagnóstico de neutropenia cíclica e 1/7 (14,3%), plaquetopenia e diagnóstico de síndrome de Wiskott-Aldrich. Portanto, o diagnóstico de IDP foi confirmado em 5/7 (71,4%) dos pacientes. Conclusões: A investigação de IDP em pacientes com infecções graves não tem sido realizada rotineiramente na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica. Nossos achados sugerem a necessidade de investigar as IDP nesse grupo de pacientes. .

Conhecimento médico sobre as imunodeficiências primárias na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil / Medical awareness concerning primary immunodeficiency diseases in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento médico sobre as imunodeficiências primárias na cidade de São Paulo (SP). MÉTODOS: Um questionário de 14 questões sobre as imunodeficiências primárias foi aplicado a médicos que trabalhavam em hospitais gerais. Uma das questões apresentava 25 situações clínicas que poderiam ou não estar associadas às imunodeficiências primárias, e a porcentagem de respostas apropriadas gerou um indicador de conhecimento. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 746 médicos, dentre os quais 215 pediatras (28,8%), 244 cirurgiões (32,7%) e 287 clínicos (38,5%). Cerca de 70% dos médicos responderam ter aprendido sobre as imunodeficiências primárias na graduação ou na residência médica. O atendimento a pacientes que usam antibióticos com frequência foi relatado por 75% dos médicos, mas apenas 34,1% já haviam investigado algum paciente e 77,8% não conheciam os dez sinais de alerta para as imunodeficiências primárias. O indicador de conhecimento obtido apresentou uma média de 45,72% (±17,87). Apenas 26,6% dos pediatras e 6,6% tanto dos clínicos quanto dos cirurgiões apresentaram indicador de conhecimento de pelo menos 67% (equivalente à resposta apropriada em dois terços das situações clínicas). CONCLUSÃO: Há uma deficiência no conhecimento médico das imunodeficiências primárias na cidade de São Paulo, mesmo entre os pediatras, a despeito do maior contato com o tema nos últimos anos. A melhora da informação sobre as imunodeficiências primárias entre a comunidade médica é um importante passo para o diagnóstico e o tratamento precoces dessas doenças.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate medical knowledge of primary immunodeficiency in the city of São Paulo (SP). METHODS: A 14-item questionnaire about primary immunodeficiency was applied to physicians who worked at general hospitals. One of the questions presented 25 clinical situations that could be associated or not with primary immunodeficiency, and the percentage of appropriate answers generated a knowledge indicator. RESULTS: Seven hundred and forty-six participated in the study, among them 215 pediatricians (28.8%), 244 surgeons (32.7%), and 287 clinicians (38.5%). About 70% of the physicians responded that they had learned about primary immunodeficiency in graduate school or in residency training. Treatment of patients that use antibiotics frequently was reported by 75% dos physicians, but only 34.1% had already investigated a patient and 77.8% said they did not know the ten warning signs for primary immunodeficiency. The knowledge indicator obtained showed a mean of 45.72% (±17.87). Only 26.6% if the pediatricians and 6.6% of clinicians and surgeons showed a knowledge indicator of at least 67% (equivalent to an appropriate answer in two thirds of the clinical situations). CONCLUSION: There is a deficit in medical knowledge of primary immunodeficiency in the city of São Paulo, even among pediatricians, despite having greater contact with the theme over the last few years. The improvement of information on primary immunodeficiency in the medical community is an important step towards the diagnosis and treatment process of these diseases.

Inmunodeficiencias y su relación con enfermedades autoinmunes / Immunodeficiencies and their relation with autoinmune diseases

Aunque pueda parecer paradójico, las inmunodeficiencias primarias y la secundaria a infección por VIH frecuentemente se complican con enfermedades autoinmunes. Esto debido a la desregulación del sistema inmune y a la activación policlonal debida a infecciones recurrentes. Se revisan diversas enfermedades autoinmunes y autoanticuerpos asociados con ambos tipos de inmunodeficiencias. Las enfermedades autoinmunes pueden ser la primera manifestación de una inmunodeficiencia, por lo que deben estudiarse especialmente si la enfermedad autoinmune es atípica. Las patologías más frecuentemente asociadas son las citopenias autoinmunes y los enfermedades reumatológicas. Debe realizarse una exclusión completa de las infecciones coincidentes o posiblemente causantes de complicaciones autoinmunes antes de iniciar tratamientos específicos para ellas.

Although it may seem paradoxical, primary immunodeficiencies and HIV immunodeficiency are frecuently complicated by autoimmune conditions. This is because of the immune system disregulation and polyclonal activation due to recurrent infections. We review various autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies associated with both types of immunodeficiencies. Autoimmune diseases my be the first manifestation of an immunodeficiency, so we should screen for it, specially if this autoimmune disease is atypical. The most frecuent disease associated with immunodeficiencies are autoimmune cytopenias and rheumatologic disorders. A through exclusion of infections coincident with or possibly causative of autoimmune complication should be undertaken before initiating specific treatments for autoimmune disease in this patients.

Inmunodeficiencias humorales: Un estudio en tres Centros de Inmunología Clínica de adultos en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Antibody deficiencies: A survey from three Clinical Immunology Centers for adults in Buenos Aires City

Las inmunodeficiencias humorales (IDH) comprenden a un grupo de enfermedades caracterizadas por la imposibilidad de desarrollar una respuesta inmune efectiva mediada por anticuerpos. Estos pacientes presentan infecciones, principalmente por bacterias extracelulares capsuladas, del tracto respiratorio. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue describir las características clínicas de una población de 128 pacientes derivados con sospecha o diagnóstico de IDH a tres centros para inmunodeficiencias de adultos, asistidos entre junio de 2004 y diciembre de 2009. Tres (2.3%) consultaron por infecciones recurrentes en una sola oportunidad sin datos suficientes para su adecuada clasificación y fueron excluidos del estudio. De los 125 pacientes restantes, en 21 (16.8%) se descartó IDH, en 8 (6.4%) se diagnosticó inmunodeficiencia humoral secundaria (IDHS) y en 96 (76.8%) inmunodeficiencia humoral primaria (IDHP). Las causas de IDHS fueron: en un caso enfermedad renal, en uno uso de fenitoína, dos casos: gammapatía monoclonal y en 4 linfoma B. Las causas de las 96 IDHP fueron: 57 inmunodeficiencia común variable, 12 agammaglobulinemia ligada al cromosoma X, 10 deficiencia selectiva de IgA, 7 deficiencia de IgG1, 3 síndrome hiper-IgM, 3 deficiencia de IgM, 2 síndrome linfoproliferativo ligado al cromosoma X, un síndrome de Good y una deficiencia funcional de anticuerpos. Sesenta y siete pacientes estaban en seguimiento en el momento de la finalización del estudio, 25 de ellos estaban en seguimiento al iniciarse el estudio. De los 58 pacientes en seguimiento con indicación de tratamiento sustitutivo con gammaglobulina, 54 se encontraban en tratamiento al finalizar el estudio. En cuatro pacientes no se pudo confirmar el diagnóstico de IDHP.

Antibody deficiency (AD) comprises a group of diseases characterized by the inability to develop an effective antibody mediated immune response. These patients suffer mainly of encapsulated extracellular bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. The aim of our study was to describe the clinical characteristics of 128 patients with suspected or confirmed AD who were referred to 3 immunodeficiency centers for adults, from June 2004 to December 2009. Three of these patients (2.3%) consulted for recurrent infections only once, without sufficient data for a proper classification, and were excluded. Of the remaining 125 patients, in 21 (16.8%) AD was excluded, 8 cases (6.4%) were diagnosed with sec ondary antibody immunodeficiency (SAD) and 96 (76.8%) with primary antibody immunodeficiency (PAD). SAD causes were: one renal failure, one phenytoin use, two monoclonal gammopathy and four B cell lymphoma. The causes of these 96 PAD were: 57 common variable immunodeficiency, 12 X-linked agammaglobulinaemia, 10 selective IgA deficiency, seven IgG1 deficiency, three hyper- IgM syndrome, three IgM deficiency, two X-linked proliferative syndrome, one Good syndrome and one antibody functional deficiency. Sixty-seven patients were in follow up at the time of completion of the study, 25 of them were on follow up at the beginning of the study. Among the 58 patients with indication of gamma globulin replacement therapy, 54 were in treatment at the end of the study. In four patients the initial diagnosis of PAD was not confirmed.

Doença granulomatosa crônica: diagnóstico no primeiro episódio infeccioso / Chronic granulomatous disease: diagnosis on the first infection episode

OBJETIVO: Relatar caso ilustrativo de doença granulomatosa crônica cujo diagnóstico ocorreu durante o aparecimento do primeiro episódio infeccioso, colaborando com a iniciativa do Brazilian Group for Immunodeficiency para a sensibilização do pediatra geral em relação ao diagnóstico precoce das imunodeficiências primárias, o que está associado a melhor qualidade de vida e maior sobrevida desses indivíduos. DESCRIÇÃO DE CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 39 dias de vida, admitido em pronto-socorro pediátrico por febre alta há cinco dias e irritabilidade. No dia seguinte, observou-se abscesso cervical, isolando-se Staphylococcus aureus comunitário. Durante a internação, ocorreram outros abscessos superficiais e em cadeias ganglionares profundas, além de resposta lenta aos antimicrobianos. Solicitou-se investigação para imunodeficiências, que confirmou a hipótese de doença granulomatosa crônica por quantificação dos ânions superóxido e teste de redução do nitrobluetetrazolio. Paciente foi encaminhado a serviço especializado, no qual identificou-se doador de medula óssea compatível, realizando-se o transplante seis meses após o diagnóstico. Quatro meses após o transplante, ocorreu normalização do burst oxidativo, indicando sucesso. COMENTÁRIOS: O paciente mostrou apresentação típica da doença, o que permitiu seu diagnóstico por pediatras gerais já na primeira infecção, tendo como consequência o acompanhamento por especialistas em imunodeficiências primárias, a introdução da profilaxia antimicrobiana e a procura bem sucedida de doador de medula HLA-compatível.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of chronic granulomatous disease diagnosed during the first infectious episode in order to collaborate with the Brazilian Group for Immunodeficiency, in sensitizing the general pediatrician that the early diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency results in better quality of life and longer life expectancy for the patients. CASE DESCRIPTION: Male patient, 39 days, admitted to the pediatric emergency ward with fever for the last five days and irritability. On the following day, a cervical abscess was noted and a community Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. During hospital stay, other abscesses were observed in the skin and in the deep ganglia chains, with a slow response to antibiotics. Investigation of immunodeficiency was requested and chronic granulomatous disease was confirmed by quantification of superoxide anions and nitrobluetetrazolium tests. The patient was transferred to a specialized clinic for bone marrow transplantation, performed six months after diagnosis. Four months afterwards, the normalization of oxidative burst was noted, indecating the success of the transplantation. COMMENTS: The patient showed a typical presentation of the disease, which allowed its diagnosis by general pediatricians on the first infection, allowing the follow-up by experts in primary immunodeficiencies, the introduction of antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis, and the successful search for an HLA-compatible bone marrow donor.