Humoral deficiency in three paediatric patients with genetic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) represent a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders characterised by poor or absent function in one or more components of the immune system. Humoral or antibody immunodeficiencies are the most common form of PID, of which common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent symptomatic form. CVID is usually characterised by hypogammaglobulinaemia with poor antibody specificity, and an increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation. Fewer than 10% of CVID patients have a known monogenic basis. Several chromosomal abnormalities (chromosome 18q-syndrome, monosomy 22, trisomy 8 and trisomy 21) are currently identified as causes of hypogammaglobulinaemia, and can manifest with recurrent infections and mimic CVID.

METHODS: Review of clinical charts and laboratory results of paediatric patients followed in the outpatient clinic of PID with a diagnosis of genetic disease and humoral immunodeficiency.

RESULTS: Three patients with different genetic diseases (19p13.3 deletion, a ring 18 chromosome and Kabuki syndrome), were identified. During follow-up, they developed signs and symptoms suggestive of humoral deficiency mimicking CVID, despite which immunoglobulin levels were quantified with considerable delay with respect to symptoms onset, and specific management was subsequently delayed.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with genetic abnormalities and recurrent infections should be evaluated for hypogammaglobulinaemia. An early diagnosis of humoral deficiency can allow treatment optimisation to prevent complications and sequelae.