Severe eczema in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome-related disorder successfully treated with dupilumab

Treatment of severe eczema in patients with primary immunodeficiencies can be particularly challenging as there are no guidelines with regards to these conditions. Dupilumab is an interleukin (IL)-4Rα antagonist that inhibits both IL-4 and IL-13 and is approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients. In this report, we describe a patient with a case of severe eczema in the context of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome-related disorder, who was successfully treated with dupilumab.

A Homozygous Mutation in 5' Untranslated Region of TNFRSF11A Leading to Molecular Diagnosis of Osteopetrosis Coinheritance With Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and osteopetrosis are 2 different, rare hereditary diseases. Here we report clinical and molecular genetics investigations on an infant patient with persistent thrombocytopenia and prolonged fever. He was clinical diagnosed as osteopetrosis according to clinical presentation, radiologic skeletal features, and bone biopsy results. Gene sequencing demonstrated a de novo homozygous mutation in 5'-untranslated region of TNFRSF11A, c.-45A>G, which is relating to osteopetrosis. Meanwhile, a hemizygous transition mutation in WAS gene, c.400G>A diagnosed the infant with WAS. This is the first clinical report for the diagnosis of osteopetrosis coinheritance with WAS in a single patient.

A novel mutation in Wiskott-Aldrich gene manifesting as macrothrombocytopenia and neutropenia

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare X-linked disorder, described as a clinical triad of microthrombocytopenia, eczema and recurrent infections. Different mutations in WAS gene have been identified, resulting in various phenotypes and a broad range of disease severity, ranging from classic WAS to X-linked thrombocytopenia and X-linked neutropenia. WAS in some cases can be fatal without haematopoietic stem cell transplantation early in life. In this particular case, we present a novel mutation with a unique presentation. An 18-year-old man incidentally found to have macrothrombocytopenia and neutropenia at 16 years of age later found to be hemizygous for c. 869T>C (p.Ile290Thr) mutation in WAS gene. The late presentation, absence of other manifestations of WAS and presence of macrothrombocytopenia, rather than microthrombocytopenia, which is usually a characteristic finding in WAS, misled the initial diagnosis. On review of literature, this mutation has not been reported as causing WAS.

Postnatal cytomegalovirus infection in an infant with congenital thrombocytopenia: how it can support or mislead the diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

A male newborn developed a post-natal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, arising in the clinical setting of congenital thrombocytopenia, which was diagnosed as being alloimmune. The evidence of active CMV infection in an infant showing slow-resolution lower airways infection, persistent neonatal and low platelet volume thrombocytopenia, and diffuse eczema (associated to very high levels of serum immunoglobulin E) led to the diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) before the third month of life, despite the presence of several confounding clinical factors. The correct interpretation of all clinical features supported the precocious diagnosis of WAS.

Prophylactic platelet transfusion in children with thrombocytopenic disorders: A retrospective review

The safety of low platelet thresholds for prophylactic transfusions was retrospectively evaluated in 673 children with various thrombocytopenic disorders. In patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and X linked thrombocytopenia the threshold for the use of platelet transfusion was based on bleeding events rather than platelet count. In children with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, prophylactic platelet transfusions were used when the platelet count was <or= 5000/microl in stable patients and > 10,000/microl in cases of bleeding or infections. The restrictive policy of platelet transfusions was shown to be proved safe in many thrombocytopenic disorders.

Long-term observation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in a child with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and a possible reactivation mechanism for thymidine kinase-negative HSV-1 in humans

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections in a child with congenital immunodeficiency syndrome were observed over a 10-year period. The child suffered from recurrent and severe HSV-1 mucocutaneous infections. He frequently suffered from acyclovir (ACV)-resistant (ACV(r)) HSV-1 infection in the later phase of his life, especially after the episode of ACV(r) HSV-1 infection. Virological analyses on the HSV-1 isolates recovered from this patient revealed that all the ACV(r) HSV-1 isolates were thymidine kinase (TK)-negative (TK(-)) due to a single cytosine (C) deletion within the 4-C residues (positions 1061 to 1064) in the TK gene, indicating that the recurrent TK(-)/ACV(r) HSV-1 infections throughout the patient's life were due to the identical ACV(r) HSV-1 strain. Furthermore, it was found that the ACV-sensitive (ACV(s)) isolate recovered from the skin lesions that appeared between the episodes of ACV(r) infection at the ages of 8 and 9 contained ACV(r) HSV-1 with the same mutation in the TK gene. These results indicate that, although TK activity is required for reactivation of TK(+)/ACV(s) HSV-1 from latency and TK(-)/ACV(r) HSV-1 is unable to reactivate from latency, the TK(-)/ACV(r) HSV-1 strain isolated herein reactivated in this patient, possibly by using the TK activity induced by the latently co-infected TK(+)/ACV(s) HSV-1.

Large granular lymphocyte proliferation and revertant mosaicism: two rare events in a Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome patient

We report on a 6 year old patient with an unusual clinical presentation of WAS and oligoclonal proliferation of TCR+ large granular lymphocytes (LGL). Flow cytometry demonstrated two distinct populations of lymphocytes with strongly decreased (WASP-) or normal expression levels of WASP (WASP+), respectively. Molecular analysis confirmed a splice site mutation in intron 2 of the WASP gene in the WASP- cells but not in WASP+ cells. LGL cells were WASP+, suggesting that two independent rare events, somatic revertant mosaicism and LGL expansion, have occurred in a child with WAS. Our report points to diagnostic difficulties in the presence of partial WASP reversions and LGL.

Long-term follow-up of patients with primary immunodeficiencies

As an example of the need for long-term follow-up by specialty health care to adequately manage immunodeficient patients, we report the case of a patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome who was lost to follow-up for 4 years to the immunology clinic and came back with a neck mass that was diagnosed as B-cell lymphoma. Patients with immunodeficiency are at high risk for the development of malignancy and autoimmune diseases and should be evaluated by a trained specialist with a frequency of not less than every 6 months.

Ertaubung bei Wiskott-Aldrich-Syndrom

INTRODUCTION

The Wiskott-Aldrich-syndrome belongs to the phakomatoses. The hereditary transmission happens x-chromosomal recessive in the domain of Xp 11.3-Xp 11.22. Clinical evidence for that is given by thrombocytopenia, an eczema and a weakness of the immune system with a subsequent increased risk of frequent infections and a predisposition for a malignancies. A further characteristic of that disease is recurrent otitis media as described by Aldrich in 1954.

PATIENT

The case--as described above--is about a 28-year-old male patient developing an acute deafness on the left ear while he has been suffering from a surditas on the right ear for 5 years. 8 years ago a splenectomy was made, because of persistent thrombocytopenia. An additional clinical characteristic was a hemiballism, arising after a thalamusbleeding 5 years ago, a both-sided vestibular failure concerning both that has been existing for 2 years, as well as a maculopathia with a highly reduced visus on both sides.

CONCLUSIONS

The deafness arising in patients suffering from the Wiskott-Aldrich-syndrome represents a so far not described symptom of that illness.

One-Step Surgical Approach of a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by infections, thrombocytopenia, and eczema. We present a 33-year-old man with this syndrome who underwent a one-stage ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending aortic aneurysm repair under moderate hypothermia and continuous visceral and cerebral perfusion. Histologic examination showed the presence of an aortitis with granulomatous inflammatory response and multinucleated cells.

Topical tacrolimus is effective against eczema in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS)

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare X-linked immunodeficiency characterized by microplatelet thrombocytopenia and eczema. Eczema may be severe and facilitate entry of microorganism into the host.

CONCLUSION

We report for the first time that eczema in infants with WAS can be effectively treated with topical ttacrolimus.

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare X-linked disorder with variable clinical phenotypes that correlate with the type of mutations in the WAS protein (WASP) gene. WASP, a key regulator of actin polymerization in hematopoietic cells, has 5 well-defined domains that are involved in signaling, cell locomotion, and immune synapse formation. WASP facilitates the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappaB and was shown to play an important role in lymphoid development and in the maturation and function of myeloid monocytic cells. Mutations of WASP are located throughout the gene and either inhibit or dysregulate normal WASP function. Analysis of a large patient population demonstrates a phenotype-genotype correlation: classic WAS occurs when WASP is absent, X-linked thrombocytopenia when mutated WASP is expressed, and X-linked neutropenia when missense mutations occur in the Cdc42-binding site. The progress made in dissecting the function of WASP has provided new diagnostic possibilities and has propelled our therapeutic strategies from conservative symptomatic treatment to curative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and toward gene therapy.

Burkitt lymphoma-induced ileocolic intussusception in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

A 12-year-old patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) was referred because of recurrent abdominal pain and bloody stools. Ileocolic invagination was diagnosed and resection of the terminal ileum was performed. Pathologic examination identified submucosal tumor as the leading point of intussusception. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma. The use of chemotherapy with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody led to complete clinical remission of lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) accounts for more than 60% of the tumors in children with primary immunodeficiency, and it is the most common type of malignancy observed in WAS. Burkitt lymphoma represents 40% to 50% of all NHL cases in childhood, but in WAS it has rarely been reported. Mutation analysis of the WASP gene in this patient revealed missense mutation (105 C > T) in exon 1. WAS protein (WASP) of normal size was present at a reduced amount in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Complete lack of expression of WASP carries a greater risk for severe infections, bleeding, or malignancy development in WAS. However, rare patients with residual expression of mutated WASP, like this patient, still may develop lymphomas.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome complicated by an atypical lymphoproliferative disorder: a case report

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked syndrome consisting of eczema, recurrent pyogenic infection, and thrombocytopenia with decreased platelet volume. Immunologic studies reveal normal immunoglobulin G (IgG), decreased IgM, elevated IgA and IgE levels, and decreased T-cell function. Patients with WAS often have increased susceptibility to lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). We report a 3-year-old boy who had persistent thrombocytopenia with bleeding, recurrent infections, and chronic eczema with frequent skin infections since birth. A blood smear revealed small platelets (50% of normal size). Immunologic studies showed normal IgG (1880 mg/dL), decreased IgM (76 mg/dL) and increased IgA (228 mg/dL) and IgE (14,282 IU/mL) levels. The relative proportions of immune cells were CD2 52.2%, CD3 41.1%, CD4 23.4%, CD8 16.8%, CD19 8.0%, CD57 7.7% and active T cells 14.6%. T-cell dysfunction was detected on the multitest for cell-mediated immunity. The WAS diagnosis was confirmed by mutation analysis which demonstrated a 4-base pair deletion in WAS protein gene exon 1. His thrombocytopenia was uncontrolled despite intravenous immunoglobulin infusions, so splenectomy was performed. The platelet count then rose to about 60,000 to 80,000/microL. However, about 2 weeks after splenectomy, he developed generalized lymphadenopathy and lymphoma was misdiagnosed based on lymph node biopsy at another hospital where he was admitted for urgent care. However, our analysis of his lymph node pathology led to the diagnosis of atypical LPD (ALPD). The lymphadenopathy regressed spontaneously 1 month later without chemotherapy. Early and correct diagnosis of WAS complicated with ALPD is important to avoid unnecessary chemotherapy.

Recurrent V75M mutation within the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein: description of a homozygous female patient

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare genetic disorder due to mutations in the WAS gene situated on chromosome X. It is comprised of microthrombocytopenia, eczema and immunodeficiency. However, the phenotypical presentation may vary as to the number and intensity of its manifestations. A milder form of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is known as the X-linked thrombocytopenia. We independently found eight individual or familial cases with the V75M substitution (9.76%). This high incidence was partly accounted for by the fact that three cases turned out to be related. The V75M mutation is recurrent, however, due to a CpG island. A genuine homozygous female patient was found. She showed microthrombocytopenia and infections to the same degree as her hemizygous father and brother. The WAS protein was decreased in a comparable fashion in the hemizygotes and the homozygote as well. Its amount was about 10% and 15% of normal in platelets and mononucleated white cells, respectively. In all patients was the picture consistent with XLT.

Confirming or excluding the diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome in children with thrombocytopenia of an unknown etiology

Early diagnosis is an important factor in a better prognosis in patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), but it is not always easy to distinguish between WAS and immune thrombocytopenic purpura on clinical grounds. To confirm or to exclude a WAS diagnosis promptly for children with thrombocytopenia, the authors performed flow cytometric screening of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) for 10 children with thrombocytopenia of an unknown etiology. Five children were diagnosed with WAS, and the remaining 5 were diagnosed as having non-WAS causes of thrombocytopenia. There were no ambiguous results, and these were confirmed by genetic analysis. The authors conclude that screening by flow cytometry for WASP is recommended for boys with persistent thrombocytopenia of an unknown etiology.

Pulmonary complications of primary immunodeficiencies

In the fifty years since Ogden Bruton discovered agammaglobulinemia, more than 100 additional immunodeficiency syndromes have been described. These disorders may involve one or more components of the immune system, including T, B, and NK lymphocytes; phagocytic cells; and complement proteins. Most are recessive traits, some of which are caused by mutations in genes on the X chromosome, others in genes on autosomal chromosomes. Until the past decade, there was little insight into the fundamental problems underlying a majority of these conditions. Many of the primary immunodeficiency diseases have now been mapped to specific chromosomal locations, and the fundamental biologic errors have been identified in more than 3 dozen. Within the past decade the molecular bases of 7 X-linked immunodeficiency disorders have been reported: X-linked immunodeficiency with Hyper IgM, X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, X-linked agammaglobulinemia, X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, nuclear factor kappaB essential modulator (NEMO or IKKg), and the immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy (IPEX) syndrome. The abnormal genes in X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and properdin deficiency had been identified several years earlier. In addition, there are now many autosomal recessive immunodeficiencies for which the molecular bases have been discovered. These new advances will be reviewed, with particular emphasis on the pulmonary complications of some of these diseases. In some cases there are unique features of lung abnormalities in specific defects. Infections obviously account for most of these complications, but the host reaction to infection often leads to characteristic findings that can be helpful diagnostically. Finally, advances in treatment of the underlying diseases as well as their infectious complications will be covered.

Successful unrelated cord blood transplantation in an infant with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome following recurrent cytomegalovirus disease

We describe successful unrelated cord blood transplantation in a 14-month-old boy with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. He had been suffering from recurrent cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia. Ganciclovir was given pretransplantation and posttransplantation, and CMV antigenemia was monitored as a marker of reactivation. The conditioning regimen was cyclophosphamide, busulfan, and antithymocyte globulin. The patient received an HLA 1-locus-mismatched cord blood unit, and the total number of infused nucleated cells was 9.0 x 10(7)/kg. Neutrophil engraftment was achieved on day +20, and a platelet count greater than 50 x 10(9)/L was achieved on day +51. A normal lymphoproliferative response to phytohemagglutinin mitogen was detectable 7 months posttransplantation. Long-term use of ganciclovir prevented CMV reactivation and did not compromise engraftment.

Comparison of PCR-amplified JC virus control region sequences from multiple brain regions in PML

The authors report a 14-year-old boy with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome complicated by progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Several therapeutic approaches were attempted, but there was no response. The patient died 2 months after the onset of neurologic symptoms. We detected three distinct, rearranged regions of JC virus in the cerebellum, occipital lobe, and brainstem. These findings suggest that the brain lesions had three independent origins.

Defects in T-cell-mediated immunity to influenza virus in murine Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome are corrected by oncoretroviral vector-mediated gene transfer into repopulating hematopoietic cells

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked disorder characterized by immune dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, and eczema. We used a murine model created by knockout of the WAS protein gene (WASP) to evaluate the potential of gene therapy for WAS. Lethally irradiated, male WASP- animals that received transplants of mixtures of wild type (WT) and WASP- bone marrow cells demonstrated enrichment of WT cells in the lymphoid and myeloid lineages with a progressive increase in the proportion of WT T-lymphoid and B-lymphoid cells. WASP- mice had a defective secondary T-cell response to influenza virus which was normalized in animals that received transplants of 35% or more WT cells. The WASP gene was inserted into WASP- bone marrow cells with a bicistronic oncoretroviral vector also encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP), followed by transplantation into irradiated male WASP- recipients. There was a selective advantage for gene-corrected cells in multiple lineages. Animals with higher proportions of GFP+ T cells showed normalization of their lymphocyte counts. Gene-corrected, blood T cells exhibited full and partial correction, respectively, of their defective proliferative and cytokine secretory responses to in vitro T-cell-receptor stimulation. The defective secondary T-cell response to influenza virus was also improved in gene-corrected animals.

Otolaryngologic manifestations of immunodeficiency

Otolaryngologists are frequently consulted to manage infectious and noninfectious complications of immune deficiency. Although defects of host defense and recurrent or severe infections are the most obvious manifestations of immune deficiency, patients are often at increased risk for autoimmune and malignant disease as well. Knowledge of primary and acquired immune deficiencies will facilitate appropriate identification, treatment, and referral of patients with these defects. When immunodeficiency is known or suspected, it is particularly important to have a high index of suspicion for unusual or severe manifestations of infection, to have a low threshold for obtaining imaging to aid in diagnosis, and to treat infections for longer periods of time with higher doses of antibiotic. Surgery may be required for definitive treatment of infections that do not respond to medical therapy and for management of complications of infectious disease

Malignant B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the larynx in children with Wiskott Aldrich syndrome

A 15 years old male with a primary diagnosis of Wiskott Aldrich syndrome presented a laryngeal B cell lymphoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus. A chemotherapy and a radiotherapy were started in association with an endoscopic debulking of the tumor. The child died of respiratory failure secondary to a lung infection. The incidence of NHL (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) of laryngeal origin in infants is extremely low and to our knowledge it has never been found in Wiskott Aldrich syndrome.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

A patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome who developed Epstein-Barr virus-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) is described in this study. At 4 mo of age the patient developed fever associated with bicytopenia and splenomegaly. Analysis of a bone marrow specimen revealed extensive haemophagocytosis, and in situ hybridization for EBV of the bone marrow specimen using an EBV-encoded RNA probe was positive. Diagnosis of EBV-HLH was established and immunotherapy with HLH-94 protocol was started. HLH has been described in patients with other well-defined primary immunodeficiencies such as X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome, Chediak-Higashi syndrome and Griscelli disease. Also, HLH was reported recently in severe combined immunodeficiency and DiGeorge syndrome.

CONCLUSION

The possibility of an underlying primary immunodeficiency should be considered in paediatric patients who present with HLH during infancy.

Autoimmunity in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: risk factors, clinical features, and outcome in a single-center cohort of 55 patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the occurrence of autoimmune and inflammatory complications in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and to determine risk factors and the prognosis of such complications with the aim of improving the definition of treatment options.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 55 patients with WAS evaluated at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital (Paris) from 1980 to 2000.

RESULTS

Forty patients (72%) had at least 1 autoimmune or inflammatory complication. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia was detected in 20 cases (36%); in all cases, onset occurred before the age of 5 years. Other complications included neutropenia (25%), arthritis (29%), skin vasculitis (22%), cerebral vasculitis (7%), inflammatory bowel disease (9%), and renal disease (3%). The median survival of the entire population was 14.5 years. Two autoimmune complications and 1 biological factor were predictive of a poor prognosis in this population: autoimmune hemolytic anemia, severe thrombocytopenia recurring after splenectomy, and high serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels before splenectomy. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia was significantly more observed in patients with high serum IgM level.

CONCLUSIONS

High serum IgM concentration before splenectomy was identified as a risk factor for autoimmune hemolytic anemia; however, it must be confirmed. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia recurring after splenectomy were 2 indicators of a poor prognosis. Those results suggest that patients with WAS and IgM levels more than mean + 2 standard deviations before splenectomy should be placed under strict surveillance. Furthermore, severe autoimmune complications should lead, as early as possible, to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using the best available donor.

Gene therapy for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: rescue of T-cell signaling and amelioration of colitis upon transplantation of retrovirally transduced hematopoietic stem cells in mice

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked primary immunodeficiency that is caused by mutations in the recently identified WASP gene. WASP plays an important role in T-cell receptor-mediated signaling to the actin cytoskeleton. In these studies we assessed the feasibility of using retroviral gene transfer into WASP-deficient hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to rescue the T-cell signaling defect that is characteristic of WAS. Upon transplantation of WASP-deficient (WKO) HSCs that have been transduced with WASP-expressing retroviruses, mature B and T cells developed in normal numbers. Most importantly, the defect in antigen receptor-induced proliferation was significantly improved in T cells. Moreover, the susceptibility of colitis by WKO HSCs was prevented or ameliorated in recipient bone marrow chimeras by retrovirus-mediated expression of WASP. A partial reversal of the T-cell signaling defect could also be achieved following transplantation of WASP-deficient HSCs expressing the WASP-homologous protein N-WASP. Furthermore, we have documented a selective advantage of WT over WKO cells in lymphoid tissue using competitive repopulation experiments and Southern blot analysis. Our results provide proof of principle that the WAS-associated T-cell signaling defects can be improved upon transplantation of retrovirally transduced HSCs without overt toxicity and may encourage clinical gene therapy trials.

Mediastinal seminoma in a patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Shortness of breath developed in an 18-year-old man with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and he was found to have a large mediastinal mass. The gallium scan was positive, and biopsy indicated a seminoma. After treatment with four cycles of chemotherapy, the mass completely resolved. Despite severe thrombocytopenia, he required only two platelet transfusions during therapy. Although lymphomas make up the vast majority of mediastinal tumors in patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a positive gallium scan should not preclude the diagnosis of seminoma or the need for confirmatory tissue diagnosis. This report shows the possibility of uneventful and successful treatment of malignancy in a patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and severe thrombocytopenia.

Ulcerative colitis in a patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

A 30-year-old man with underlying Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, which is a rare X-linked congenital immunodeficiency syndrome characterized by recurrent infections, thrombopenia, eczema and hematopoietic malignancies, presented with bloody diarrhea. Endoscopic and histological evaluation was compatible with ulcerative colitis. Congenital immune defects are paralleled by enterocolitis mimicking inflammatory bowel disease in a substantial number of patients. Despite therapy with prednisolone and 5-ASA compounds, the patient described here experienced a relapse of the colitis twice. Subsequently a JC virus infection of the central nervous system was diagnosed, and he died due to progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy.

Bone marrow transplantation in a child with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome latently infected with acyclovir-resistant (ACV(r)) herpes simplex virus type 1: emergence of foscarnet-resistant virus originating from the ACV(r) virus

A human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched unrelated bone marrow transplantation (BMT) was performed in a 13-year-old patient with the congenital immunodeficiency syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. The patient had a history of acyclovir (ACV)-resistant (ACV(r)) herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections prior to BMT. After BMT, the skin lesions caused by HSV-1 relapsed on the face and genito-anal areas. Ganciclovir (GCV) therapy was initiated, but the mucocutaneous lesions worsened. An HSV-1 isolate recovered from the lesions during this episode was resistant to both ACV and GCV. The ACV(r) isolate was confirmed to have the same mutation in the viral thymidine kinase (TK) gene as that of the previously isolated ACV(r) isolates from the patient. After treatment switch to foscarnet (PFA), there was a satisfactory remission but not a complete recovery. Although the mucocutaneous lesions improved, a PFA-resistant (PFA(r)) HSV-1 was isolated 1 month after the start of PFA therapy. The PFA(r) HSV-1 isolate coded for the same mutation in the viral TK gene as the ACV(r) HSV-1 isolates. Furthermore, the PFA(r) isolate also expressed a mutated viral DNA polymerase (DNA pol) with an amino acid (Gly) substitution for Val at position 715. This is the first report on the clinical course of a BMT-associated ACV(r) HSV-1 infection that subsequently developed resistance to foscarnet as well.

Correction of the murine Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome phenotype by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) corrects the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) phenotype. However, the toxicity and mortality frequently associated with this approach warrant the exploration of new therapeutic strategies. Transplantation studies of a murine model of WAS deficiency have been limited by the occurrence of a radiation-induced fatal exacerbation of a pre-existing colitis in the peritransplantation period. Here we demonstrate that when crossed to a C57/B6 background, WAS-deficient males show little if any colitis and reliably survive HSCT. We show that HSCT corrects the hematologic and functional deficiencies of WAS knockout mice. These results strengthen the analogy between murine and human WAS and provide a basis for the use of WAS-deficient mice to explore novel approaches for correction of the disease phenotype.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, vasculitis and critical aortic dilatation

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare X-linked disorder, comprising the triad eczema, thrombocytopenia and progressive immunodeficiency. The prognosis has been poor in the past but is now improving with therapeutic options including splenectomy and bone marrow transplantation. We report the case of a 21-year-old male with an established diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, who developed aortic root dilatation with severe aortic regurgitation requiring aortic valve and root replacement. Histology confirmed a destructive, full-thickness, chronic aortitis.

CONCLUSION

As treatment and prognosis improve, large vessel vasculitis may become an increasingly recognized late complication of this syndrome, which now extends into adult practice.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked immunodeficiency characterized by thrombocytopenia with small platelets, eczema, recurrent infections, autoimmune disorders, IgA nephropathy, and an increased incidence of hematopoietic malignancies. The identification of the responsible gene, WASP (Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein), revealed clinical heterogeneity of the syndrome, and showed that X-linked thrombocytopenia without, or with only mild immunodeficiency and eczema, is also caused by mutations of WASP. The study of WASP and its mutations demonstrates how a single gene defect can cause multiple and complex clinical symptoms.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare immune deficiency disease. Sialophorin glycosylation is defective in WAS. Although it is not very common, renal involvement including IgA nephropathy (IgAN) was reported. Abnormal glycosylation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of IgAN. We present an 8-year-old boy with WAS who had recurrent episodes of Henoch-Schönlein purpura with renal involvement following upper respiratory tract infections. His renal function did not deteriorate. Both IgAN and WAS have glycosylation defects, but there must be some other factors (genetic and environmental) to explain their rare association.

Impact of donor type on outcome of bone marrow transplantation for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: collaborative study of the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry and the National Marrow Donor Program

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical sibling bone marrow transplantation is an effective treatment for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. However, most children with this disease lack such donors and many patients receive transplants from alternative donors. This study compared outcomes of HLA-identical sibling, other related donor, and unrelated donor transplantation for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. The outcome of 170 transplantations for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, from 1968 to 1996, reported to the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry and/or National Marrow Donor Program were assessed. Fifty-five were from HLA-identical sibling donors, 48 from other relatives, and 67 from unrelated donors. Multivariate proportional hazards regression was used to compare outcome by donor type and identify other prognostic factors. Most transplant recipients were younger than 5 years (79%), had a pretransplantation performance score greater than or equal to 90% (63%), received pretransplantation preparative regimens without radiation (82%), and had non-T-cell-depleted grafts (77%). Eighty percent received their transplant after 1986. The 5-year probability of survival (95% confidence interval) for all subjects was 70% (63%-77%). Probabilities differed by donor type: 87% (74%-93%) with HLA-identical sibling donors, 52% (37%-65%) with other related donors, and 71% (58%-80%) with unrelated donors (P =.0006). Multivariate analysis indicated significantly lower survival using related donors other than HLA-identical siblings (P =.0004) or unrelated donors in boys older than 5 years (P =.0001), compared to HLA-identical sibling transplants. Boys receiving an unrelated donor transplant before age 5 had survivals similar to those receiving HLA-identical sibling transplants. The best transplantation outcomes in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome are achieved with HLA-identical sibling donors. Equivalent survivals are possible with unrelated donors in young children.

Accidental busulfan overdose: enhanced drug clearance with hemodialysis in a child with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

A 4.6 kg infant with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome received an accidental overdose of busulfan during preparation for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma busulfan levels alerted staff to the dosing error. Hemodialysis was immediately performed and resulted in accelerated clearance of busulfan. There were no acute neurologic and hepatic side-effects of the busulfan overdose, and despite 2 months of cough accompanied by rales, the patient is now free of pulmonary symptoms. Stable partial donor chimerism occurred after transplantation. At present, the patient is thriving and infection-free 12 months after transplantation, although his platelet count remains at the lower limit of normal.

Long-term survival following non-Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare X-linked recessive trait, characterized by thrombocytopenia, eczema, immunodeficiency and a high risk of malignancy, usually leukaemia or lymphoma. Until recently, most patients died before the age of 10 years. A patient with WAS who developed extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 16 years is reported. Despite thrombocytopenia at presentation, chemotherapy was well tolerated. There was disease progression after first line chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the patient responded to second line chemotherapy with cisplatin, vincristine and etoposide. He remains disease free 9 years after completing treatment.