Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content +++ INTRODUCTION ++ Primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDDs) are characterized by increased susceptibility to infections and result from the failure of either the humoral or cellular arms of the immune system or both. The clinical features of PIDDs are listed in Table 50–1. — PIDDs are characterized by recurrent pyogenic bacterial infections, including sinusitis, furunculosis, and recurrent or chronic pneumonias that often terminate in bronchiectasis. These infections are initially responsive to antibiotics but soon recur. Evaluation of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels and specific antibody responses in patients with recurring infections without an apparent predisposing cause should be made. — Baseline Ig levels are often low or virtually absent. — Antibody response to immunization is often inadequate. Abnormality of cellular immunity causes: — Susceptibility to viral, protozoal, and fungal infections may occur. — Patients are often anergic. Rejection or clearance of allogeneic cells may be impaired. — There may be a secondary defect in humoral immunity because of T-cell dysfunction and loss of B-cell helper activity. Autoimmune diseases such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, or rheumatoid arthritis-like conditions occur at a higher frequency in certain primary immunodeficiency states. The more severe primary immune deficiencies are usually present in infancy, although common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) often presents later in life. In Ig-deficient patients, treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may decrease infectious events. The autosomal recessive syndromes are frequently the result of consanguineous marriages. ++Table Graphic Jump LocationTABLE 50–1CLINICAL FEATURES OF PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISORDERSView Table||Download (.pdf) TABLE 50–1 CLINICAL FEATURES OF PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISORDERS Neutrophils Numerical or Functional Defects Complement Deficiencies Antibody Deficiencies Combined Immune Deficiencies Severe bacterial and fungal infections Skin or deep bacterial and fungal abscesses Infections sustained by unusual bacteria and fungi Recurrent or severe infections sustained by encapsulated pathogens Recurrent Neisseria meningitidis infections Autoimmune manifestations (SLE-like) Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome Recurrent angioedema (C1-INH deficiency) Recurrent infections after 4–6 months of age Intestinal Giardia lamblia infection Enterovirus meningoencephalitis Early-onset respiratory and gut infections Opportunistic infections Growth failure Persistent candidiasis Erythroderma C1-INH, C1 esterase inhibitor; SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus.Source: Williams Hematology, 9th ed, Chap. 80, Table 80–1. +++ PREDOMINANT ANTIBODY DEFICIENCIES +++ X-Linked and Autosomal Recessive Agammaglobulinemia +++ Definition and Genetic Features ++ This deficiency is caused by a maturation defect in B-cell development. X-linked agammaglobulinemia is the result of a mutation in the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene. Autosomal recessive agammaglobulinemia is the result of mutations in genes relevant to immunoglobulin heavy or light chains (ie, IGHM, IGLL1, CD79a, CD79b or the B-cell adaptor molecule, BLINK). +++ Clinical Features ++ X-linked and autosomal recessive agammaglobulinemia have similar clinical features: low Ig levels, decreased B cells, and recurrent infections. Normal levels of IgG at birth occur as a result of transfer from maternal circulation. Thus, affected individuals are usually asymptomatic for the ... Your Access profile is currently affiliated with '[InstitutionA]' and is in the process of switching affiliations to '[InstitutionB]'. Please click ‘Continue’ to continue the affiliation switch, otherwise click ‘Cancel’ to cancel signing in. Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Forgot Password? Forgot Username? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth