Immunological Aspects of Kabuki Syndrome: A Retrospective Multicenter Study of the Italian Primary Immunodeficiency Network (IPINet).

Kabuki Syndrome (KS) is a multisystemic genetic disorder. A portion of patients has immunological manifestations characterized by increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmunity. Aiming to describe the clinical and laboratory immunological aspects of KS, we conducted a retrospective multicenter observational study on patients with KS treated in centers affiliated to the Italian Primary Immunodeficiency Network.Thirty-nine patients were enrolled, with a median age at evaluation of 10 years (range: 3 m-21y). All individuals had organ malformations of variable severity. Congenital heart defect (CHD) was present in 19/39 patients (49%) and required surgical correction in 9/39 (23%), with associated thymectomy in 7/39 (18%). Autoimmune cytopenia occurred in 6/39 patients (15%) and was significantly correlated with thymectomy (p < 0.002), but not CHD. Individuals with cytopenia treated with mycophenolate as long-term immunomodulatory treatment (n = 4) showed complete response. Increased susceptibility to infections was observed in 22/32 patients (69%). IgG, IgA, and IgM were low in 13/29 (45%), 13/30 (43%) and 4/29 (14%) patients, respectively. Immunoglobulin substitution was required in three patients. Lymphocyte subsets were normal in all patients except for reduced naïve T-cells in 3/15 patients (20%) and reduced memory switched B-cells in 3/17 patients (18%). Elevated CD3 + TCRαß + CD4-CD8-T-cells were present in 5/17 individuals (23%) and were correlated with hematological and overall autoimmunity (p < 0.05).In conclusion, immunological manifestations of KS in our cohort include susceptibility to infections, antibody deficiency, and autoimmunity. Autoimmune cytopenia is correlated with thymectomy and elevated CD3 + TCRαß + CD4-CD8-T-cells, and benefits from treatment with mycophenolate.

Genetic polymorphisms of TLR1, TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 in patients with recurrent or severe infections.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in innate immunity. Previous studies have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes coding for these innate immune molecules can affect susceptibility to and the outcome of certain diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine the clinical relevance of well-studied TLR1-4 SNPs in individuals who are prone to infections. Four functional SNPs, TLR1 rs5743618 (1805C > A, Ser602Ile), TLR2 rs5743708 (2258G > A, Arg753Gln), TLR3 rs3775291 (1234C > T, Leu412Phe) and TLR4 rs4986790 (896A > G, Asp299Gly), were analysed in 155 patients with recurrent respiratory infections (n = 84), severe infections (n = 15) or common variable immunodeficiency (n = 56), and in 262 healthy controls, using the High Resolution Melting Analysis method. Polymorphisms of TLR2 rs5743708 (odds ratio [OR] 3.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45-6.83, p = .004, ap = .016) and TLR4 rs4986790 (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.05-3.12, p = .028, ap = .112) were more frequent in patients with recurrent or severe infections than in controls. Interestingly, seven patients were found to carry both variant genotypes of TLR2 and TLR4, whereas none of the control group carried such genotypes (p  ≤ .0001). Moreover, TLR2 polymorphism was associated with increased risk for acute otitis media episodes (OR, 3.02; 95% CI 1.41-6.47; p = .012). This study indicates that children and adults who are more prone to recurrent or severe respiratory infections carry one or both variant types of TLR2 and TLR4 more often than control subjects. Genetic variations of TLRs help explain why some children are more susceptible to respiratory infections.

Exploring the Link Between Profuse Warts and Hyper-Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Syndrome: A Pediatric Case Report.

The relationship between warts and hyper-immunoglobulin E (IgE) syndrome lies in the fact that patients with this syndrome may have recurrent or persistent skin warts because of their immune dysfunction. Therefore, it is important to consider this possibility when evaluating a patient with skin warts, especially if they are associated with other symptoms such as recurrent infections or pulmonary issues. Warts can thus be an important clinical sign indicating the presence of this syndrome. We report the case of a young girl presenting with numerous warts accompanied by pulmonary involvement and weight delay, in whom the diagnosis of hyper IgE syndrome was established.

Good Syndrome in a Young Woman: An Unusual Presentation.

Good Syndrome is a rare disease that comprises the presence of a thymoma, immunodeficiency, and recurrent opportunistic infections. We report the case of a young woman who was diagnosed with Good Syndrome, who had a long-term history of recurrent infections, often due to atypical agents, and who also had a previous history of immunodeficiency and a B1 thymoma invading the large vessels, lung, and pericardium (Masaoka stage IV). She underwent surgical resection of the mediastinal mass, requiring vena cava superior reconstruction due to the extent of invasion, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and immunoglobulin G supplementation. Despite relative stability in the subsequent years, without serious infections, after three years she had a thymoma recurrence requiring a new therapeutic approach. This case highlights the importance of a thorough investigation of the underlying causes of recurrent infections, which may be the result of an immunodeficiency secondary to malignancy. In young patients, early diagnosis is crucial to avoid disease progression and to reduce mortality rates. To achieve such outcomes, a multidisciplinary team and a comprehensive therapeutic strategy are necessary.

Different immunological patterns of Down syndrome patients with and without recurrent infections.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) exhibit a higher susceptibility to infections, suggesting potential immunological alterations within this population. Consequently, this study aims to assess the immune response profile in children with DS to identify potential immune dysfunctions associated with recurrent infections. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis involving 49 DS patients, examining various epidemiological, clinical, cytogenetic, and laboratory variables. The study's sample comprised patients aged 2-20 years, with a predominance of males. These patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of recurrent infections, as indicated by the Jeffrey Modell Foundation alert signs. RESULTS: Immunoglobulin (Ig) A, G, and M levels were deemed normal, although individuals with DS experiencing recurrent infections exhibited significantly lower IgA levels. Additionally, CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD19 lymphocyte counts were found to be within normal ranges, with no significant differences between the two groups. While overall data indicated normal seroconversion levels of pneumococcal polysaccharide antibodies, a notable impairment in seroconversion was observed among DS patients with recurrent infections compared to those without such infections. CONCLUSION: The deficiency of anti-polysaccharide antibodies in individuals with DS may constitute an important immunological comorbidity. Therefore, it warrants further investigation, particularly among individuals with recurrent infections.

Exploring the uncommon: Unusual instance of retained fractured needles in a patient of intravenous drugs abuse.

Retained needle fragments commonly serve as sources of recurrent infections with a potential to embolize to the heart and lungs and can lead to life-threatening consequences. Here, we report a case of a 46-year-old male with a history of intravenous drug user and chronic forearm wounds, presenting with sepsis. Several retained needles are identified on CT scan, several days postadmission. This case highlights the importance of timely assessment of infectious sources in patients with history of intravenous drug abuse.

Case Report: C3 deficiency in two siblings.

The complement system, a vital component of innate immunity, consists of various proteins and pathways crucial for the recognition and elimination of pathogens. In addition, it plays a major role in the initiation of adaptive response through the opsonization of antigens, contributing to B-cell activation and memory maintenance. Deficiencies in complement proteins, particularly C3, can lead to severe and recurrent infections as well as immune complex disorders. Here, we present a case report of two siblings with total C3 deficiency resulting from compound heterozygous mutations in C3 (NM_000064.4): c.305dup; [p.Asn103GlnfsTer66] and c.1269 + 5G>T, previously unreported in C3-related diseases. Both, the index case and her sister, presented a history of recurrent infections since early childhood and one of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Immunological evaluation revealed absent plasma C3 levels, decreased memory B cells, hypogammaglobulinemia, and impaired response to polysaccharide antigens. The siblings showed partial responses to antimicrobial prophylaxis and vaccination, requiring intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy, resulting in clinical improvement. Genetic analysis identified additional risk polymorphisms associated with atypical HUS. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive genetic and immunological evaluations in complement deficiencies, along with the potential role of immunoglobulin replacement therapy in managing associated antibody defects.

Further Clinical Delineation of Prolidase Deficiency Associated with c.1103T>G Variant.

Introduction: Prolidase deficiency is a rare multisystemic disease associated with collagen metabolism. Clinical manifestations and age of onset are highly variable. Prolidase deficiency is caused by homozygous variants in the PEPD gene. In this report, three siblings with c.1103T>G (L368R) variant in the PEPD gene are presented. They had features not described in the literature and marked intrafamilial clinical heterogeneity. This is the first family of Syrian ancestral origin with prolidase deficiency. Case Presentation: We performed whole-exome sequencing for the index case, and detected a homozygous c.1103T>G variant, in the PEPD gene. All family members were then screened for the same variant by Sanger sequencing analysis. Two siblings were found to be homozygous, and one of them had not yet developed clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Our data expand the clinical spectrum of prolidase deficiency. It also improves our knowledge of phenotype and genotype relationships of prolidase deficiency patients.

Longitudinal molecular analysis of clinical and fecal Escherichia coli isolates at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minnesota, USA, 2012-2019.

Introduction: Extraintestinal Escherichia coli infections represent a growing public health threat, However, current studies often overlook important factors such as temporal patterns of infection, phylogenetic and clonal background, or the host gut E. coli population, despite their likely significance. Methods: In this study, we analyzed >7000 clinical E. coli isolates from patients at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System (2012-2019), and concurrent fecal E. coli from uninfected veterans. We assessed phylogenetic group distribution, membership in selected sequence types (STs), and subsets thereof-including the pandemic, resistance-associated ST131-H30R, and ST1193 lineages-and strain type, as defined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. We then analyzed these features alongside the temporal patterns of infection in individual hosts. Results: The H30R lineage emerged as the leading lineage, both overall and among fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates, with ST1193 following among fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates. Recurrences were common, occurring in 31% of subjects and 41% of episodes, and often multiple and delayed/prolonged (up to 23 episodes per subject; up to 2655d post-index). Remarkably, these recurrences typically involved the subject's index strain (63% of recurrences), even when affecting extra-urinary sites. ST131, H30R, ST1193, and fluoroquinolone-resistant strains generally caused significantly more recurrences than did other strains, despite similar recurrence intervals. ST131 strain types shifted significantly over the study period. Infection-causing strains were commonly detectable in host feces at times other than during an infection episode; the likelihood of detection varied with surveillance intensity and proximity to the infection. H30R and ST1193 were prominent causes of fecal-clinical clonal overlap. Discussion: These findings provide novel insights into the temporal and clonal characteristics of E. coli infections in veterans and support efforts to develop anti-colonization interventions.

Current understanding of ELF4 deficiency: a novel inborn error of immunity.

BACKGROUND: ELF4 deficiency has been recently recognized as a novel disorder within the spectrum of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), specifically categorized as a "disease of immune dysregulation." Cases of this condition, reported by our team and others, are very limited worldwide. As such, our current knowledge of this new disease remains preliminary. This review aims to provide a brief overview of the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies for this novel IEI. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive review was conducted after an extensive literature search in the PubMed/Medline database and websites concerning transcriptional factor ELF4 and reports concerning patients with ELF4 deficiency. Our search strategy was "ELF4 OR ETS-related transcription factor Elf-4 OR EL4-like factor 4 OR myeloid Elf-1-like factor" as of the time of manuscript submission. RESULTS: The current signature manifestations of ELF4 deficiency disorder are recurrent and prolonged oral ulcer, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in pediatric males. In some cases, immunodeficiency and autoimmunity can also be prominent. Targeted Sanger sequencing or whole exome sequencing can be used to detect variation in ELF4 gene. Western blotting for ELF4 expression of the patient's cells can confirm the pathogenic effect of the variant. To fully confirm the pathogenicity of the variant, further functional test is strongly advised. Glucocorticoid and biologics are the mainstream management of ELF4 deficiency disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric males presenting with recurring ulcerations in digestive tract epithelium with or without recurrent fever should be suspected of DEX. When atypical presentations are prominent, variations in ELF4 gene should be carefully evaluated functionally due to the complex nature of ELF4 function. Experience of treating DEX includes use of glucocorticoid and biologics and more precise treatment needs more patients to identify and further mechanistic study.

Inborn Errors of Immunity.

Inborn errors of immunity occur in 1 in 1000 to 1 in 5000 individuals and are characterized by immune deficiency and immune dysregulation. The primary care provider (PCP) should be familiar with key features of these diagnoses including recurrent and/or severe infections, hyperinflammation, malignancy, and autoimmunity and have a low threshold to refer for evaluation. The PCP can begin a laboratory evaluation before referral by sending a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, antibody levels, vaccine titers, and possibly other tests. Management approaches vary from antibiotic prophylaxis to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation depending on the specific diagnosis.

Psychosocial impact of recurrent urogenital infections: a review.

Recurrent urogenital infections such as bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and urinary tract infections have a high prevalence and pronounced psychosocial impact. However, no review has compared the psychosocial impacts across infection types. This narrative review discusses the impact of common recurrent urogenital infections on psychosocial aspects, including quality of life, stress, mental health, sexual health, work productivity, race and ethnicity, and satisfaction of medical care. Validated questionnaires show that women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and urinary tract infections have decreased scores on all aspects of quality of life. Those with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and urinary tract infections show lower mental health scores compared to the general population, with increased risk of anxiety and depression. Recurrent urogenital infections affect sexual relationships and intimacy, including avoidance due to symptoms or as a method of prevention. Recurrent infections also increase medical cost and negatively affect work productivity, leading to a combined estimated cost of over US$13 billion per year. There are clear effects of racial inequality involving minority populations that affect diagnosis, treatment, prevalence, and reporting of recurrent urogenital infections. Satisfactory medical treatment improves quality of life and mental health in those suffering from these conditions. Research evaluating psychosocial aspects of recurrent urogenital infections is variable and is not comparable across vulvovaginal conditions. Even so, psychosocial factors are important in understanding contribution and consequence of urogenital infections. Education, awareness, normalization, community support, and access to care can help to alleviate the negative implications of recurrent urogenital infections.

A narrative review discussing the psychosocial impact of common recurrent urogenital infections and highlights areas where further research is needed to improve clinical care.

Management of Severe Neutropenia in a Child With Chediak-Higashi Syndrome Using Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF): A Case Report.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a congenital immunodeficiency disorder characterized by recurrent bacterial infections, oculocutaneous albinism, and abnormal intracellular protein transport. The incidence of CHS is rare, with approximately 500 cases reported so far. One of the key immunological features of CHS is neutropenia. The management of CHS includes supportive treatment, chemotherapy, methylprednisolone, IL-2 administration, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, neutropenia can persist even after these treatments. This case report presents the successful management of severe neutropenia in an 8-year-old girl diagnosed with CHS. The patient exhibited classic CHS features, including hypopigmentation and recurrent infections. Initial treatment with antibiotics led to the resolution of the fever, but severe neutropenia persisted. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy was initiated, which resulted in a substantial increase in the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) with no adverse effects. Throughout treatment with G-CSF, the patient remained stable. The patient was finally referred to the tertiary care center for consideration of bone marrow transplantation. This case highlights the potential safety and efficacy of G-CSF in managing CHS-associated neutropenia.

Compromiso inmunológico en pacientes con síndrome de Down. Serie de casos / Immune compromise in patients with Down syndrome. A case series

El síndrome de Down, o trisomía 21, tiene una mortalidad mayor que la población general, debido principalmente a infecciones respiratorias. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir el compromiso inmunológico en una serie de casos de pacientes con síndrome de Down derivados a Inmunología por infecciones recurrentes o por hallazgo patológico de laboratorio, entre el 1 de junio de 2016 y el 31 de mayo de 2022. Se describe el compromiso de la inmunidad en 24 pacientes. Doce pacientes presentaron falla de respuesta a polisacáridos y recibieron quimioprofilaxis antibiótica y/o gammaglobulina sustitutiva. En 3 pacientes, se observó agammaglobulinemia con linfocitos B presentes y se indicó gammaglobulina sustitutiva. En 9 pacientes, se observó linfopenia T y en 1 paciente, compromiso inmune combinado.

Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, has a higher mortality than the general population, mainly due to respiratory tract infections. The objective of this study was to describe immune compromise in a series of cases of patients with Down syndrome referred to the Pediatric Immunology Section due to recurrent infections or pathological laboratory findings between 6/1/2016 and 5/31/2022. Here we describe immune compromise in 24 patients. Twelve patients failed to develop a polysaccharide response and received antibiotic chemoprophylaxis, or gamma globulin replacement therapy. Three patientsdeveloped agammaglobulinemia with presence of B cells and gamma globulin replacement therapy was indicated. Nine patients had T-cell lymphopenia and 1 patient, combined immune compromise.

El niño plateado: Síndrome de Chediak-Higashi / The Silver Child: Chediak-Higashi Syndrome

El Síndrome de Chediak-Higashi (SCH) es una patología de herencia autosómica recesiva debido principalmente a mutaciones del gen regulador del tráfico lisosómico (LYST), causando grados dermatológicamente diferentes de albinismo óculocutáneo, infecciones recurrentes, disfunción fagocítica primaria, en el desarrollo y proliferación de todas las líneas celulares. Se presenta caso de preescolar masculino de 2 años de edad, ingresado por aumento de volumen bilateral en región cervical y fiebre, en malas condiciones generales, con áreas de hiperpigmentación en piel, cabello y cejas de coloración grisácea, adenopatías generalizadas y visceromegalias; leucocitosis con linfocitosis y neutropenia, anemia, trombocitopenia, hipoalbuminemia, hipertrigliceridemia e hiperferritinemia; en vista de la infrecuente coexistencia de dichas características con albinismo óculocutáneo; es evaluado por hematología y dermatología evidenciándose inclusiones citoplasmáticas y melanosomas gigantes, respectivamente, compatibles con SCH, confirmándose diagnóstico. El conocimiento del SCH es importante para la oportuna sospecha clínica-diagnóstica e inicio de protocolos terapéuticos en consenso, que garanticen un manejo eficaz para su sobrevida(AU)

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (SCH) is an auto somal recessive in herited pathology mainly due to mutations ofthe LYST gene, causing dermatologically different degrees of oculocutaneous albinism, recurrent infections, primary phagocytic dysfunction, in the development and proliferation of all cell lines. We present a case of a 2-year-old male preschool, admitted due to bilateral volume increase in thecervical region and fever, in poor general conditions, with areas of hyperpigmentation in skin, hair and eyebrows of grayish coloration, generalized lymphadenopathy and visceromegaly; leukocytosis with lymphocytosis and neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hypertriglyceridemia,and hyperferritinemia; in view of the infrequent coexistence of these characteristics with oculocutaneous albinism; it isevaluated by hematology and dermatology, showing cytoplasmicinclusions and giant melanosomes, respectively, compatiblewith SCH, confirming the diagnosis. Knowledge of SCH is important for timely clinical-diagnostic suspicion and initiation of consensus therapeutic protocols that guarantee effective management for survival(AU)

Inmunodeficiencia primaria combinada

RESUMEN Introducción: Las inmunodeficiencias primarias son enfermedades genéticas. Están constituidas por más de 200 enfermedades que tienen en común las infecciones recurrentes. La inmunodeficiencia combinada se caracteriza por episodios de sepsis recurrentes del aparato respiratorio, digestivo y de piel sobre todo por gérmenes oportunistas. El cuadro clínico es muy variable y se conocen múltiples fenotipos clínicos. Objetivo: Evaluar las manifestaciones clínicas e inmunológicas de la inmunodeficiencia primaria combinada no grave a través de un caso. Presentación de caso: Se trata un lactante de 8 meses de edad, masculino, blanco, que presentó múltiples infecciones respiratorias y digestivas, intolerancia a la leche, asociado a sibilancias recurrentes y manifestaciones exantemáticas. Tuvo varios ingresos incluso en terapia intensiva por sepsis grave y cumplió tratamientos con penicilinas, cefalosporinas, sulfas, fosfocina, vancomicina y metronidazol. El estudio inmunológico reveló una marcada disminución de las subpoblaciones linfocitarias y concentraciones disminuidas de la subclase de IgG4. Se estableció el diagnóstico de inmunodeficiencia primaria del tipo combinada no grave. El tratamiento utilizado incluyó gammaglobulina endovenosa y el factor de transferencia. Se confirmó una mejoría clínica evidente. Conclusiones: Las infecciones recurrentes junto con los resultados de los estudios permitieron diagnosticar esta inmunodeficiencia primaria. El diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento oportuno mejoran la calidad de vida del paciente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Primary immunodeficiencies are genetic diseases. They are made up of more than 200 diseases that have recurrent infections in common. Combined immunodeficiency is characterized by recurrent episodes of sepsis of the respiratory, digestive and skin system, especially opportunistic germs. The clinical picture is highly variable and multiple clinical phenotypes are known. Objective: Assess the clinical and immunological manifestations of non-severe combined primary immunodeficiency through a case. Case presentation: 8-month-old male, white infant who presented multiple respiratory and digestive infections, milk intolerance, associated with recurrent wheezing and exanthematic manifestations. He had several hospitalizations even in the intensive care service due to severe sepsis and completed treatments with penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfas, phosphocin, vancomycin and metronidazole. The immunological study revealed a marked decrease in lymphocyte subpopulations and decreased concentrations of the IgG4 subclass. The diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency of the non-severe combined type was established. The treatment used included intravenous gamma globulin and transfer factor. An evident clinical improvement was confirmed. Conclusions: The recurrent infections together with the results of the studies allowed to diagnose this primary immunodeficiency. Early diagnosis and timely treatment improve the patient's quality of life.

Diarrea crónica por Lamblia intestinalis en un adulto / (Chronic diarrhea by Lamblia intestinalis in an adult)

ResumenSe presenta un caso de inmunodeficiencia común variable en un paciente masculino, joven con larga historia (9 años) de procesos infecciosos gastrointestinales y respiratorios recurrentes; a pesar de los diferentes esquemas terapéuticos, con evidencia diagnóstica de niveles bajos de inmunoglobulinas de las clases IgG, IgM e IgA; se pretende comparar su evolución a partir de su historia clínica y los resultados de sus exámenes complementarios, con la bibliografía revisada. La inmunodeficiencia común variable explica un déficit primario de IgG (al menos 2 desviaciones estándar por debajo de los valores de referencia para su edad), al menos otra de las Ig (IgA o IgM) y una reducción o ausencia de producción de anticuerpos. Esta entidad se considera poco frecuente en términos de incidencia, aunque cursa muchas veces inadvertida por el predominio de sus efectos. Clínicamente, se manifiesta por la presencia de infecciones recurrentes con preponderancia de las respiratorias y gastrointestinales. Desde el punto de vista etiológico, su génesis es controversial, pero se describen niveles bajos de inmunoglobulinas y una reducción o ausencia de producción de anticuerpos.

AbstractWe present a variable common immunodeficiency case in a young male patient with a long history (9 years) of recurrent gastrointestinal and respiratory infectious processes, despite the different therapeutic schemes, with diagnostic evidence of low levels of IgG, IgM And IgA; aiming to make a comparison of its evolution in function of its clinical history and the results of its complementary examinations, with the bibliography reviewed. Variablecommon immunodeficiency explains a primary IgG deficit (at least 2 standard deviations below the reference values for his age) and at least one other Ig (IgA or IgM) and a reduction or absence of antibody production. This entity is considered infrequent in terms of incidence, although it is often inadvertent due to the predominance of its effects. Clinically it is manifested by the presence of recurrent infections with preponderance of the respiratory and gastrointestinal. From an aetiological point of view, its genesis is controversial, but low levels of immunoglobulins and a reduction or absence of antibody production are all described.

Enfermedad granulomatosa crónica: tres casos clínicos con diferentes formas de presentación / Chronic granulomatous disease: three cases with different presentations

Introducción: La enfermedad granulomatosa crónica (EGC) es una forma infrecuente de inmunodeficiencia primaria que se caracteriza por una sensibilidad anormal a infecciones bacterianas y fúngicas, debida a un déficit en el complejo nicotinamida adenina dinucleótida fosfato oxidasa (NADPH) en los fagocitos. Objetivo: Describir tres casos de EGC con énfasis en su forma de presentación y realizar una revisión del tema. Casos Clínicos: Se presentan tres casos clínicos, dos de ellos con relación de parentesco (primos en primer grado). Se llegó a diagnóstico molecular en uno de los casos. Se destacan las manifestaciones clínicas: infecciones recurrentes, abscesos, adenitis y granulomas, y complicaciones, con la finalidad de facilitar la sospecha diagnóstica de EGC, debido a la importancia del diagnóstico temprano y el consejo genético. Conclusiones: La EGC es un trastorno inmunológico primario congénito infrecuente, con herencia ligada a X en su mayoría, pero también con formas autosómicas recesivas, con una forma de presentación característica y cuyo diagnóstico debe ser oportuno para evitar complicaciones, realizar profilaxis y tratamiento agresivo de las infecciones y consejo genético.

Introduction: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare form of primary immunodeficiency disease, characterized by an abnormal susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections, and it is caused by a deficit in the phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex (NADPH), resulting in the inability to generate reactive oxygen species that destroy micro-organisms. The diagnosis is based on clinical characteristics and analysis of phagocytes, and later confirmed by molecular studies. Its management should consider antimicrobial prophylaxis, a search for infections and aggressive management of these. Objective: To describe three cases of CGD emphasizing their forms of presentation and to conduct a review of the condition. Case reports: Three case reports, two of them first cousins, are presented. Molecular diagnosis was reached in one of the cases. Recurrent infections, abscesses, adenitis, granulomas and complications are identified to facilitate the suspected diagnosis of CGD, bearing in mind the importance of early diagnosis and genetic counseling. Conclusions: EGC is a rare congenital primary immunodeficiency disorder, mostly with X-linked inheritance, autosomal recessive form, and a specific presentation form. Its diagnosis should be timely to avoid complications. Prophylaxis and aggressive treatment of infections should be performed, as well as genetic counseling.

Enfermedad granulomatosa crónica / Chronic granulomatous disease

La enfermedad granulomatosa crónica (EGC) es una inmunodeficiencia primaria de la fagocitosis. Se presenta un paciente de 13 años de edad que a partir el mes de nacido presentó infecciones recurrentes: diarreas, neumonías, tuberculosis pulmonar, gingivo-estomatitis, celulitis, adenitis, abscesos cutáneos y hepáticos recidivantes. Al examen físico presentó una disminución severa del peso y la talla para la edad, palidez cutáneo-mucosa, periodontitis crónica, hiperlaxitud, aumento del hemiabdomen derecho y adenopatías generalizadas. Los estudios inmunológicos mostraron concentraciones normales de las inmunoglobulinas (Ig) séricas IgM: 0,98 g/L (0,69 - 2,69 g/L), IgA: 2,76 g/L (1,58 - 3,94 g/L) e IgE: 11,70 UI/ml (hasta 50 UI/mL), respectivamente, y ligeramente aumentadas de IgG: 17,2 g/L (7,81 - 15,30 g/L), C3 y C4 normales: 1,28 g/L (0,9 - 1,7 g/L) y 0,30 g/L (0,2 - 0,4 g/L), respectivamente. Las subpoblaciones linfocitarias T CD3, CD4 y CD8 positivas estuvieron normales: 62 por ciento (52 - 78 por ciento), 45 por ciento (25 - 48 por ciento) y 15 por ciento (9 - 35 por ciento), y los linfocitos B CD19 positivos estuvieron normales: 24 por ciento (8 - 24 por ciento). El índice opsonofagocítico mostró valores normales en los tiempos 15 y 60 min: 35 por ciento (22,99 - 53,95 por ciento) y 12,50 por ciento (6,63 - 28,4 3 por ciento). La prueba de reducción de nitroazul de tetrazolium espontánea y con agente inductor (Cándida albicans) fue negativa. Se concluyó como una EGC ligada al cromosoma X. El tratamiento incluyó el drenaje de los abscesos hepáticos recidivantes, uso de antimicrobianos y antimicóticos potentes e interferón gamma, con lo que disminuyó la frecuencia e intensidad de las infecciones. El diagnóstico y el tratamiento precoces de la EGC disminuyen la morbilidad y mortalidad de estos enfermos...

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency with a defect of the phagocytosis process. A 13 year-old adolescent with recurrent life-threatening episodes since one month of birth is presented. The main clinical manifestations included diarrhea, stomatitis, cellulitis, lymphadenitis, pneumonia, granuloma formation, pulmonary tuberculosis, pulmonary and hepatic abscesses. Physical examination showed poor growth, hepatomegaly, adenopathies, hyperextension of extremities and chronic gingivitis. Immunological studies showed normal concentrations of immunoglobulins (Ig): IgM: 0,98 g/L (0,69 - 2,69 g/L), IgA: 2,76 g/L (1,58 - 3,94 g/L) and IgE: 11,70 UI/mL ( < 50 UI/ml), C3 and C4 (1,28 g/L (0,9 - 1,7 g/L) and 0,30 g/L (0,2 - 0,4 g/L), respectively, and hypergammaglobulinemia of 17,2 g/L (7,81 - 15,30 g/L). Lymphocytes count T CD3, CD4 and CD8 positive were normal: 62 percent (52 - 78 percent), 45 percent (25 - 48 percent) y 15 percent (9 - 35 percent) and B lymphocytes count was also normal: 24 percent (8 - 24 percent). Opsonophagocytic index was normal at time 15 and 60 minutes: 35 percent (22,99 - 53,95 percent) and 12,50 percent (6,63 - 28,43 percent), respectively. Diagnosis was confirmed with negative nitroblue tetrazolium test . Treatment with antibiotics, fungistats, as well as gamma interferon contributed to a favorable response, presenting a lower amount of infectious episodes as well as a recovery of weight and height. Early diagnosis and treatment of CGD has improved prognosis and reduced patients´ morbidity and mortality...