Clinical, Genetic and Immunological Characteristics of Paediatric Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1 Patients in Slovenia

Autoimmune Addison's Disease as Part of the Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1: Historical Overview and Current Evidence

The autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS1) is caused by pathogenic variants of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene, located in the chromosomal region 21q22.3. The related protein, AIRE, enhances thymic self-representation and immune self-tolerance by localization to chromatin and anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in the initiation and post-initiation events of tissue-specific antigen-encoding gene transcription. Once synthesized, the self-antigens are presented to, and cause deletion of, the self-reactive thymocyte clones. The clinical diagnosis of APS1 is based on the classic triad idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (HPT)—chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis—autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD), though new criteria based on early non-endocrine manifestations have been proposed. HPT is in most cases the first endocrine component of the syndrome; however, APS1-associated AAD has received the most accurate biochemical, clinical, and immunological characterization. Here is a comprehensive review of the studies on APS1-associated AAD from initial case reports to the most recent scientific findings.

Ten-year use of recombinant parathyroid hormone for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism in a boy with partial Jacobsen syndrome

Pediatric hypoparathyroidism (HPT) is caused by inherited or acquired defects involving the synthesis or secretion of PTH, resistance to PTH action, or inappropriate regulation of PTH. Several syndromes such as DiGeorge syndrome, HDR (hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness and renal dysplasia) syndrome, HRD (hypoparathyroidism, retardation, and dysmorphism) syndrome, Kenny-Caffey syndrome etc. may have associated HPT. In the present communication, we describe, the hitherto unreported, occurrence of HPT in a child with partial Jacobsen syndrome. Chromosomal Microarray analysis showed a heterozygous deletion of 4.7 Mb at cytoband 11q24.3q25 encompassing approximately 20 genes including JAM3 and NTM genes. The child was treated with recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH1-34) for 10 years. Throughout follow up, he required several adjustments in dosages of rhPTH1-34 and oral calcium to maintain serum calcium concentrations in low normal ranges. The bone turnover markers remained normal and oral calcium supplements were completely taken off after 8 years. In conclusion, our single-case experience indicates that long-term therapy of chronic HPT with rhPTH1-34 is safe and reduces the need for additional therapies.

Unexplained cyanosis caused by hepatopulmonary syndrome in a girl with APECED syndrome

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy, candidiasis and ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a rare but devastating primary immunodeficiency disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene on chromosome 21q22.3. The clinical spectrum of the disease is characterized by a wide heterogeneity because of autoimmune reactions toward different endocrine and non-endocrine organs. Here, we report a 17-year-old Turkish girl diagnosed with APECED at 9 years in whom a novel homozygote mutation in AIRE gene p.R15H (c.44G>A) was found. In the clinical course of the patient, chronic liver disease due to autoimmune hepatitis has evolved resulting in hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) which has not been reported before in patients with APECED.

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Manifestations in 247 Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency-a Report from the Slovenian National Registry

An abnormal regulation of immune responses leads to autoimmune and inflammatory manifestations in patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). The objective of our study was to evaluate the frequency of non-infectious and non-malignant manifestations in a large cohort of patients included in the Slovenian national PID registry and to assess the time of manifestation onset with respect to the time of PID diagnosis. Medical records of registered patients were reviewed. Data on autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, autoinflammation, allergies, PID diagnosis, and underlying genetic defects were collected and analyzed. The time of each manifestation onset was determined and compared with the time of PID diagnosis. As of May 2015, 247 patients with 50 different PIDs were registered in the Slovenian national PID registry (147 males, 100 females; mean age 20 years). Mean disease duration was 14 years; 78 % of patients were younger than 18 years; and 22 % of patients were adults. Diagnosis of PID was genetically confirmed in 51 % of patients. Non-infectious and non-malignant manifestations were present in 69/235 (29 %) patients, including autoimmune manifestations in 52/235 (22 %), lymphoproliferative/granulomatous in 28/235 (12 %), autoinflammatory in 12/247 (5 %), and allergic manifestations in 10/235 (4 %) of all registered patients. Autoimmune manifestations were present in all patients whose PIDs were classified as diseases of immune dysregulation, 47 % of patients with chronic granulomatous disease, and 38 % of patients with predominantly antibody immune deficiencies. A high prevalence of non-infectious and non-malignant manifestations among patients in the Slovenian national PID registry suggests common genetic factors of autoimmunity, inflammation, and immunodeficiency. Patients with PID should be routinely screened for autoimmune and inflammatory manifestations at the time of PID diagnosis and during the long-term follow up.