Clinical implications of C6 complement component deficiency.

Background

Terminal complement component deficiencies are risk factors for neisserial infections.

Objective

To review the clinical characteristics, the diagnosis and the management of patients with a terminal complement component deficiency.

Methods

Pertinent articles were selected and reviewed in relation to a case presentation of C6 deficiency.

Results

A case of a 56-year old patient with a history of meningitis, chronic rash, and C6 deficiency was presented, followed by discussion of clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management of terminal complement component deficiencies. Clinical pearls and pitfalls were reviewed for the practicing allergist/immunologist and fellow-in-training.

Conclusion

C6 deficiency is the most common terminal complement component deficiency and can present later in age with N. meningitidis infections. Patients can be screened for terminal complement component deficiency by checking CH50.