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Lehrnbecher T, Groll AH. Infectious complications in the pediatric immunocompromised host: a narrative review. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024:S1198-743X(24)00279-9. [PMID: 38851426 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections are a major cause for morbidity in children with primary or secondary immunodeficiency, and have a negative impact on overall outcome. OBJECTIVES This narrative review presents select pediatric specific aspects regarding the clinical impact, diagnosis, management and follow-up of infectious complications in patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. SOURCES PubMed until January 2024 and searched references in identified articles including the search terms: infection, immunodeficiency or cancer, diagnostics, antimicrobial agents, bacteria or fungus or virus, and follow-up. CONTENT Major advances have been made in the early detection and management of patients with primary immunodeficiency, and multiple analyses report in children with cancer on risk groups and periods of risk for infectious complications. Although many diagnostic tools are comparable between children and adults, specific considerations have to be applied, such as minimizing the use of radiation. Antimicrobial drug development remains a major challenge in the pediatric setting, which includes the establishment of appropriate dosing and pediatric approval. Last, long-term follow-up and the impact of late effects are extremely important to be considered in the management of immunocompromised pediatric patients. IMPLICATIONS Although infectious disease supportive care of immunocompromised children and adolescents has considerably improved over the last three decades, close international collaboration is needed to target the specific challenges in this special population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lehrnbecher
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Hemostaseology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Andreas H Groll
- Infectious Disease Research Program, Center for Bone Marrow Transplantation and Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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2
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Therrell BL, Padilla CD, Borrajo GJC, Khneisser I, Schielen PCJI, Knight-Madden J, Malherbe HL, Kase M. Current Status of Newborn Bloodspot Screening Worldwide 2024: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Activities (2020-2023). Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:38. [PMID: 38920845 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) began in the early 1960s based on the work of Dr. Robert "Bob" Guthrie in Buffalo, NY, USA. His development of a screening test for phenylketonuria on blood absorbed onto a special filter paper and transported to a remote testing laboratory began it all. Expansion of NBS to large numbers of asymptomatic congenital conditions flourishes in many settings while it has not yet been realized in others. The need for NBS as an efficient and effective public health prevention strategy that contributes to lowered morbidity and mortality wherever it is sustained is well known in the medical field but not necessarily by political policy makers. Acknowledging the value of national NBS reports published in 2007, the authors collaborated to create a worldwide NBS update in 2015. In a continuing attempt to review the progress of NBS globally, and to move towards a more harmonized and equitable screening system, we have updated our 2015 report with information available at the beginning of 2024. Reports on sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, missing in 2015, have been included. Tables popular in the previous report have been updated with an eye towards harmonized comparisons. To emphasize areas needing attention globally, we have used regional tables containing similar listings of conditions screened, numbers of screening laboratories, and time at which specimen collection is recommended. Discussions are limited to bloodspot screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradford L Therrell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- National Newborn Screening and Global Resource Center, Austin, TX 78759, USA
| | - Carmencita D Padilla
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Gustavo J C Borrajo
- Detección de Errores Congénitos-Fundación Bioquímica Argentina, La Plata 1908, Argentina
| | - Issam Khneisser
- Jacques LOISELET Genetic and Genomic Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut 1104 2020, Lebanon
| | - Peter C J I Schielen
- Office of the International Society for Neonatal Screening, Reigerskamp 273, 3607 HP Maarssen, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Knight-Madden
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research-Sickle Cell Unit, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Helen L Malherbe
- Centre for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
- Rare Diseases South Africa NPC, The Station Office, Bryanston, Sandton 2021, South Africa
| | - Marika Kase
- Strategic Initiatives Reproductive Health, Revvity, PL10, 10101 Turku, Finland
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Solis L, Van Coillie S, Bonham JR, Hauck F, Hammarström L, Staal FJT, Lim B, Pergent M, Prévot J. Newborn Screening Today and Tomorrow: A Brief Report from the International Primary Immunodeficiencies Congress. Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:30. [PMID: 38651395 PMCID: PMC11036269 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This article presents the report of the session on "Newborn Screening for Primary Immunodeficiencies-Now What?" organised during the International Primary Immunodeficiency Congress (IPIC) held in November 2023. This clinical conference was organised by the International Patient Organisation for Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI), the global patient organisation advocating for primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) in patients. The session aimed at exploring the advances in newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency, starting with the common practice and inserting the discussion into the wider perspective of genomics whilst taking into consideration the ethical aspects of screening as well as incorporating families and the public into the discussions, so as to ensure that NBS for treatable rare disorders continues to be one of the major public health advances of the 20th century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Solis
- IPOPI, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.S.); (S.V.C.); (B.L.); (M.P.)
| | | | - James R. Bonham
- International Society of Neonatal Screening, Reigerskamp 273, 3607 HP Maarssen, The Netherlands;
| | - Fabian Hauck
- Division of Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, DE-80337 Munich, Germany;
| | - Lennart Hammarström
- Department of Medical Biophysics and Biochemistry, Karolinska Instituet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Frank J. T. Staal
- Departments of Immunology and Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical School, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Bruce Lim
- IPOPI, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.S.); (S.V.C.); (B.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Martine Pergent
- IPOPI, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.S.); (S.V.C.); (B.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Johan Prévot
- IPOPI, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.S.); (S.V.C.); (B.L.); (M.P.)
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Howley E, Soomann M, Kreins AY. Parental Engagement in Identifying Information Needs After Newborn Screening for Families of Infants with Suspected Athymia. J Clin Immunol 2024; 44:79. [PMID: 38457046 PMCID: PMC10923976 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-024-01678-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Congenital athymia is a rare T-lymphocytopaenic condition, which requires early corrective treatment with thymus transplantation (TT). Athymic patients are increasingly identified through newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Lack of relatable information resources contributes to challenging patient and family journeys during the diagnostic period following abnormal NBS results. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities, including parental involvement in paediatrics, are valuable initiatives to improve clinical communication and parental information strategies. Parents of infants with suspected athymia were therefore invited to discuss the information they received during the diagnostic period following NBS with the aim to identify parental information needs and targeted strategies to address these adequately. Parents reported that athymia was not considered with them as a possible differential diagnosis until weeks after initial NBS results. Whilst appropriate clinical information about athymia and TT was available upon referral to specialist immunology services, improved access to easy-to-understand information from reliable sources, including from clinical nurse specialists and peer support systems, remained desirable. A roadmap concept, with written or digital information, addressing parental needs in real time during a potentially complex diagnostic journey, was proposed and is transferrable to other inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and rare diseases. This PPIE activity provides insight into the information needs of parents of infants with suspected athymia who are identified through SCID NBS, and highlights the role for PPIE in promoting patient- and family-centred strategies to improve IEI care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evey Howley
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Maarja Soomann
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Division of Immunology and the Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Y Kreins
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Infection Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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5
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Bremer SJ, Boxnick A, Glau L, Biermann D, Joosse SA, Thiele F, Billeb E, May J, Kolster M, Hackbusch R, Fortmann MI, Kozlik-Feldmann R, Hübler M, Tolosa E, Sachweh JS, Gieras A. Thymic Atrophy and Immune Dysregulation in Infants with Complex Congenital Heart Disease. J Clin Immunol 2024; 44:69. [PMID: 38393459 PMCID: PMC10891212 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-024-01662-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, and up to 50% of infants with CHD require cardiovascular surgery early in life. Current clinical practice often involves thymus resection during cardiac surgery, detrimentally affecting T-cell immunity. However, epidemiological data indicate that CHD patients face an elevated risk for infections and immune-mediated diseases, independent of thymectomy. Hence, we examined whether the cardiac defect impacts thymus function in individuals with CHD. We investigated thymocyte development in 58 infants categorized by CHD complexity. To assess the relationship between CHD complexity and thymic function, we analyzed T-cell development, thymic output, and biomarkers linked to cardiac defects, stress, or inflammation. Patients with highly complex CHD exhibit thymic atrophy, resulting in low frequencies of recent thymic emigrants in peripheral blood, even prior to thymectomy. Elevated plasma cortisol levels were detected in all CHD patients, while high NT-proBNP and IL-6 levels were associated with thymic atrophy. Our findings reveal an association between complex CHD and thymic atrophy, resulting in reduced thymic output. Consequently, thymus preservation during cardiovascular surgery could significantly enhance immune function and the long-term health of CHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Jolan Bremer
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, N27, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- University Children's Research, UCR@Kinder-UKE, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika Boxnick
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, N27, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura Glau
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, N27, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Biermann
- Congenital and Pediatric Heart Surgery, Children's Heart Clinic, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simon A Joosse
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University, Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friederike Thiele
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, N27, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elena Billeb
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, N27, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- University Children's Research, UCR@Kinder-UKE, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan May
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, N27, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manuela Kolster
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, N27, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Romy Hackbusch
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, N27, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Kozlik-Feldmann
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hübler
- Congenital and Pediatric Heart Surgery, Children's Heart Clinic, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Tolosa
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, N27, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Siegmar Sachweh
- Congenital and Pediatric Heart Surgery, Children's Heart Clinic, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Gieras
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, N27, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Soomann M, Prader S, Pinto Monteiro A, Zeilhofer U, Hauri-Hohl M, Güngör T, Pachlopnik Schmid J, Trück J, Felber M. Reducing Mortality and Morbidity in Children with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency in Switzerland: the Role of Newborn Screening. J Clin Immunol 2024; 44:39. [PMID: 38165471 PMCID: PMC10761526 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-023-01640-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) has been introduced in various countries with the aim of reducing morbidity and mortality. However, studies analyzing outcomes before and after the implementation of NBS programs remain limited. This study sought to compare the outcomes of SCID patients identified through Switzerland's national SCID NBS program, introduced in January 2019, with those of a historical cohort diagnosed between 2007 and 2019. The study included seven patients (32%) identified through NBS, and 15 (68%) born before NBS implementation and diagnosed based on clinical signs. Children in the NBS group were younger at diagnosis (median age 9 days vs 9 months, P = .002) and at hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT, median age 5 months vs 11 months, P = .003) compared to the clinical group. The NBS group had a lower incidence of infections before HSCT (29% vs 93%, P = .004). Although not statistically significant, the overall survival rate on last follow-up was higher in the NBS group (86% vs 67%, P = .62). Importantly, patients with active infections undergoing HSCT had a significantly lower overall survival probability compared to those without (P = .01). In conclusion, the introduction of NBS in Switzerland has led to earlier and often asymptomatic diagnosis of affected children, enabling timely intervention, infection prevention, and prompt treatment. These factors have contributed to higher survival rates in the NBS group. These findings underscore the critical importance of NBS for SCID, offering potential life-saving benefits through early detection and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarja Soomann
- Division of Immunology and the Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Seraina Prader
- Division of Immunology and the Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aline Pinto Monteiro
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and the Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Zeilhofer
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and the Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Hauri-Hohl
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and the Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tayfun Güngör
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and the Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jana Pachlopnik Schmid
- Division of Immunology and the Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Trück
- Division of Immunology and the Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Felber
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and the Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Lev A, Somech R, Somekh I. Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency and inborn errors of immunity. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:692-702. [PMID: 37707504 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) is the most devastating genetic disease of the immune system with an unfavorable outcome unless diagnosed early in life. Newborn screening (NBS) programs play a crucial role in facilitating early diagnoses and timely interventions for affected infants. RECENT FINDINGS SCID marked the pioneering inborn error of immunity (IEI) to undergo NBS, a milestone achieved 15 years ago through the enumeration of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) extracted from Guthrie cards. This breakthrough has revolutionized our approach to SCID, enabling not only presymptomatic identification and prompt treatments (including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation), but also enhancing our comprehension of the global epidemiology of SCID. SUMMARY NBS is continuing to evolve with the advent of novel diagnostic technologies and treatments. Following the successful implementation of SCID-NBS programs, a call for the early identification of additional IEIs is the next step, encompassing a broader spectrum of IEIs, facilitating early diagnoses, and preventing morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atar Lev
- Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center; Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Ghosh S, Albert MH, Hauck F, Hönig M, Schütz C, Schulz A, Speckmann C. [Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCID) in Germany]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:1222-1231. [PMID: 37726421 PMCID: PMC10622353 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03773-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Patients with a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) harbor genetic mutations disrupting T cell immunity and hence suffer severe, life-threatening infections or manifestations of immune dysregulation within the first months of their life. The only cure is to correct their immune system, usually by means of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Pilot studies and national programs in the United States and in European countries have shown that patients can be identified at an early asymptomatic stage through newborn screening. This allows treatment before the occurrence of severe complications, which improves the outcome of curative strategies like HSCT.After assessment by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), the SCID screening was implemented into newborn screening in Germany in 2019. The first results of the screening (dry blood spot cards from around 2 million newborns between August 2019 and February 2022) were recently published. As expected, in addition to classic SCID diseases (incidence 1:54,000), infants with syndromic disorders and T cell lymphopenia were also identified. All patients with classic SCID were scheduled for curative treatment. Of the 25 patients with classic SCID, 21 were already transplanted at the time of data analysis. Only one of 21 transplanted patients died due to pre-existing infections. A comparison of the recent screening data with historical data suggests that SCID newborn screening has been successfully implemented in Germany. Patients with SCID are routinely identified very early and scheduled for curative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujal Ghosh
- Klinik für Kinder-Onkologie, -Hämatologie und Klinische Immunologie, Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.
- Klinik für Kinder-Onkologie, -Hämatologie und Klinische Immunologie, Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.
| | - Michael H Albert
- Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik im Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Fabian Hauck
- Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik im Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Manfred Hönig
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Deutschland
| | - Catharina Schütz
- Pädiatrische Immunologie, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus an der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Ansgar Schulz
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Deutschland
| | - Carsten Speckmann
- Pädiatrische Hämatologie und Onkologie, Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin und Centrum für Chronische Immundefizienz, Institut für Immundefizienz, Medizinische Fakultät, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
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Staudacher O, Klein J, Thee S, Ullrich J, Wahn V, Unterwalder N, Kölsch U, Lankes E, Stittrich A, Dedieu C, Dinges S, Völler M, Schuetz C, Schulte J, Boztug K, Meisel C, Kuehl JS, Krüger R, Blankenstein O, von Bernuth H. Screening Newborns for Low T Cell Receptor Excision Circles (TRECs) Fails to Detect Immunodeficiency, Centromeric Instability, and Facial Anomalies Syndrome. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:2872-2883. [PMID: 37302792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) in dried blood spots of newborns allows the detection of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) (T cells <300/μL at birth) with a presumed sensitivity of 100%. TREC screening also identifies patients with selected combined immunodeficiency (CID) (T cells >300/μL, yet <1500/μL at birth). Nevertheless, relevant CIDs that would benefit from early recognition and curative treatment pass undetected. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that TREC screening at birth cannot identify CIDs that develop with age. METHODS We analyzed the number of TRECs in dried blood spots in archived Guthrie cards of 22 children who had been born in the Berlin-Brandenburg area between January 2006 and November 2018 and who had undergone hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) for inborn errors of immunity. RESULTS All patients with SCID would have been identified by TREC screening, but only 4 of 6 with CID. One of these patients had immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial anomalies syndrome type 2 (ICF2). Two of 3 patients with ICF whom we have been following up at our institution had TREC numbers above the cutoff value suggestive of SCID at birth. Yet all patients with ICF had a severe clinical course that would have justified earlier HSCT. CONCLUSIONS In ICF, naïve T cells may be present at birth, yet they decline with age. Therefore, TREC screening cannot identify these patients. Early recognition is nevertheless crucial, as patients with ICF benefit from HSCT early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Staudacher
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of Immunology, Labor Berlin Charité-Vivantes, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jeanette Klein
- Newborn Screening Laboratory, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Thee
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Ullrich
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Wahn
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Unterwalder
- Department of Immunology, Labor Berlin Charité-Vivantes, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Kölsch
- Department of Immunology, Labor Berlin Charité-Vivantes, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erwin Lankes
- Newborn Screening Laboratory, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Uninrsitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Stittrich
- Department of Human Genetics, Labor Berlin Charité-Vivantes, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cinzia Dedieu
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Dinges
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirjam Völler
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Catharina Schuetz
- Department of Pediatrics, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kaan Boztug
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria; St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, St. Anna Children's Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Meisel
- Department of Immunology, Labor Berlin Charité-Vivantes, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörn-Sven Kuehl
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Renate Krüger
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Horst von Bernuth
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of Immunology, Labor Berlin Charité-Vivantes, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.
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Kreins AY, Worth A, Ghosh S, Mohammed RW, Davies EG. First Use of Thymus Transplantation in PAX1 Deficiency. J Clin Immunol 2023:10.1007/s10875-023-01478-8. [PMID: 37060484 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-023-01478-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Y Kreins
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Austen Worth
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sujal Ghosh
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Center of Child and Adolescent Health, Heinrich-Heine-University, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Reem W Mohammed
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - E Graham Davies
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Howley E, Davies EG, Kreins AY. Congenital Athymia: Unmet Needs and Practical Guidance. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2023; 19:239-254. [PMID: 36935770 PMCID: PMC10022451 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s379673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Inborn errors of thymic stromal cell development and function which are associated with congenital athymia result in life-threatening immunodeficiency with susceptibility to infections and autoimmunity. Athymic patients can be treated by thymus transplantation using cultured donor thymus tissue. Outcomes in patients treated at Duke University Medical Center and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) over the past three decades have shown that sufficient T-cell immunity can be recovered to clear and prevent infections, but post-treatment autoimmune manifestations are relatively common. Whilst thymus transplantation offers the chance of long-term survival, significant challenges remain to optimise the outcomes for the patients. In this review, we will discuss unmet needs and offer practical guidance based on the experience of the European Thymus Transplantation programme at GOSH. Newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and routine use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have improved early recognition of congenital athymia and increasing numbers of patients are being referred for thymus transplantation. Nevertheless, there remain delays in diagnosis, in particular when the cause is genetically undefined, and treatment accessibility needs to be improved. The majority of athymic patients have syndromic features with acute and chronic complex health issues, requiring life-long multidisciplinary and multicentre collaboration to optimise their medical and social care. Comprehensive follow up after thymus transplantation including monitoring of immunological results, management of co-morbidities and patient and family quality-of-life experience, is vital to understanding long-term outcomes for this rare cohort of patients. Alongside translational research into improving strategies for thymus replacement therapy, patient-focused clinical research will facilitate the design of strategies to improve the overall care for athymic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evey Howley
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - E Graham Davies
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Y Kreins
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, University College London, London, UK
- Correspondence: Alexandra Y Kreins, Email
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