Manish Butte

Stem cell transplantation for primary immunodeficiency diseases: the North American experience.

Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Sep 24;

Authors: Pai SY, Cowan MJ

Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes recent studies on outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for primary immunodeficiency in North America, including severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and chronic granulomatous disease.
RECENT FINDINGS: Using uniform diagnostic criteria, the Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium described the baseline characteristics of newly diagnosed infants with SCID in North America. Analysis of outcomes of hematopoietic cell transplantation for SCID in North America from 2000 to 2009 showed that young infants, and older infants without active infection, had excellent survival irrespective of type of donor or transplant approach with regard to conditioning. Although pretransplant conditioning with chemotherapy had a clear and strong negative impact on survival in infants with active infection at the time of transplant, among survivors, conditioning was associated with improved immune reconstitution. However, the potential late effects of conditioning in these infants remain to be characterized. Advances in transplant outcomes for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and chronic granulomatous disease support the strategy of early transplantation before the onset of severe complications; additional multicenter studies are needed to fully define optimal approaches.
SUMMARY: The formation of the Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium, a multiinstitutional North American consortium, has contributed to our understanding of outcomes after transplant for primary immunodeficiency.

PMID: 25259542 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Immediate infusion-related adverse reactions to intravenous immunoglobulin in a prospective cohort of 1765 infusions.

Int Immunopharmacol. 2014 Sep 22;

Authors: Bichuetti-Silva DC, Furlan FP, Nobre FA, Pereira CT, Gonçalves TR, Gouveia-Pereira M, Rota R, Tavares L, Mazzucchelli JT, Costa-Carvalho BT

Abstract
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is increasingly recommended for many diseases apart from primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID). Although effective and safe, adverse reactions may occur. We conducted a 2-year prospective observational study in 117 patients with PID who received regular IVIG replacement therapy at a median dose of 600mg/kg every 3 to 4weeks to examine IVIG’s adverse effects; 1765 infusions were performed (mean=15/patient) in 75 males and 42 females (aged 3months to 77years) in 3 groups: ≤9years (34.2%), 10-19years (26.5%), and ≥20years (39.3%). Fifty patients had common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), 11 had X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), and 55 had other immune system disorders. The drugs administered were Octagam® (49.1%), Tegeline® (17.3%), Imunoglobulin® (18.6%), Flebogama® (12.9%), Vigam® (1.2%), and Kiovig® (0.4%). Immediate infusion-related adverse reactions occurred in the cases of 38 out 1765 infusions (2.15%, IC95% 1.53%-2.94%), which were classified as mild (81.6%), moderate (10.5%), or severe (7.9%). Time until reaction ranged from 10 to 240min (mean=85.7, median=60). Reaction rates were similar across age groups. The most common reactions were malaise, headache, and abdominal pain. Reported severe events were tightness of the throat and seizure. All symptoms improved with temporary or complete IVIG interruption and symptomatic medications. Sixteen of 38 reactions to infusions occurred in the presence of an acute infection (p=0.09). Tegeline® represented a greater reaction risk factor than Octagam® (p<0.001). These results indicate that IVIG infusion can be considered a safe procedure. Low reaction incidence and few severe immediate infusion-related adverse reactions were observed.

PMID: 25257732 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Prevalence and Morbidity of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases, United States 2001-2007.

J Clin Immunol. 2014 Sep 26;

Authors: Kobrynski L, Powell RW, Bowen S

Abstract
PURPOSE: Few studies have estimated population prevalence and morbidity of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD). We used administrative healthcare databases to estimate the prevalence of PIDD diagnoses in the United States from 2001 to 2007.
METHODS: MarketScan databases compile claims from commercial health insurance plans and Medicaid, recording individual diagnoses for outpatient encounters and hospital stays. We used a cross sectional survey to estimate prevalence of PIDD using related ICD-9 codes (279.0, 279.1, 279.2, 279.8, 279.9, 288.1 and 288.2). Persons with secondary immunodeficiency diagnoses were excluded from analysis.
RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2007, prevalence of any PIDD diagnosis increased from 38.9 to 50.5 per 100,000 among privately insured and from 29.1 to 41.1 per 100,000 among publicly insured persons. B cell defects predominated. Prevalence was more than twice as high among Whites as among Blacks or Hispanics.
CONCLUSION: In this large database, we found a higher prevalence of diagnosed PIDD than has been reported previously from registries. Increased awareness may have contributed to the increasing prevalence.

PMID: 25257253 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Toso regulates differentiation and activation of inflammatory dendritic cells during persistence-prone virus infection.

Cell Death Differ. 2014 Sep 26;

Authors: Lang PA, Meryk A, Pandyra AA, Brenner D, Brüstle A, Xu HC, Merches K, Lang F, Khairnar V, Sharma P, Funkner P, Recher M, Shaabani N, Duncan GS, Duhan V, Homey B, Ohashi PS, Häussinger D, Knolle PA, Honke N, Mak TW, Lang KS

Abstract
During virus infection and autoimmune disease, inflammatory dendritic cells (iDCs) differentiate from blood monocytes and infiltrate infected tissue. Following acute infection with hepatotropic viruses, iDCs are essential for re-stimulating virus-specific CD8(+) T cells and therefore contribute to virus control. Here we used the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) model system to identify novel signals, which influence the recruitment and activation of iDCs in the liver. We observed that intrinsic expression of Toso (Faim3, FcμR) influenced the differentiation and activation of iDCs in vivo and DCs in vitro. Lack of iDCs in Toso-deficient (Toso(-/-)) mice reduced CD8(+) T-cell function in the liver and resulted in virus persistence. Furthermore, Toso(-/-) DCs failed to induce autoimmune diabetes in the rat insulin promoter-glycoprotein (RIP-GP) autoimmune diabetes model. In conclusion, we found that Toso has an essential role in the differentiation and maturation of iDCs, a process that is required for the control of persistence-prone virus infection.Cell Death and Differentiation advance online publication, 26 September 2014; doi:10.1038/cdd.2014.138.

PMID: 25257173 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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A rare primary immunodeficiency.

BMJ Case Rep. 2014;2014

Authors: Nagaraj P, Sivathanu S, Sampath S, Ramakrishnan N

Abstract
A 9-year-old girl presented with failure to thrive, chronic mucopurulent nasal discharge, recurrent skin pustules and recurrent episodes of purulent ear discharge since 2 years of age. She had coarse facial features with extensive eczema, multiple pyoderma scars, florid dental caries, retained primary dentition, hypermobile joints and a woody induration of the vulva. Autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome was suspected and confirmed by very high serum IgE levels. Vulval biopsy revealed a premalignant condition. STAT 3 mutation, which is usually responsible for this condition, was not found in our case, indicating an as yet unidentified mutation. The child also had unusual features like the total absence of clinical and radiological features of pneumonia. The premalignant change in the vulva was also unusual since vulval carcinoma has not been reported so far in children with this disorder. This child will require a close follow-up to look for malignant transformation.

PMID: 25253482 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Related Articles

Calculated globulin (CG) as a screening test for antibody deficiency.

Clin Exp Immunol. 2014 Sep;177(3):671-8

Authors: Jolles S, Borrell R, Zouwail S, Heaps A, Sharp H, Moody M, Selwood C, Williams P, Phillips C, Hood K, Holding S, El Shanawany T

Abstract
Calculated globulin (total protein – albumin) is usually tested as part of a liver function test profile in both primary and secondary care and determines the serum globulin concentration, of which immunoglobulins are a major component. The main use hitherto of calculated globulin is to detect paraproteins when the level is high. This study investigated the potential to use low levels of calculated globulin to detect antibody deficiency. Serum samples with calculated globulin cut-off < 18 g/l based on results of a pilot study were collected from nine hospitals in Wales over a 12-month period. Anonymized request information was obtained and the samples tested for immunoglobulin levels, serum electrophoresis and, if appropriate, immunofixation. A method comparison for albumin measurement using bromocresol green and bromocresol purple was undertaken. Eighty-nine per cent (737 of 826) samples had an immunoglobulin (Ig)G level of < 6 g/l using the bromocresol green methodology with a cut-off of < 18 g/l, and 56% (459) had an IgG of < 4 g/l. Patients with both secondary and primary antibody deficiency were discovered and serum electrophoresis and immunofixation showed that 1·2% (10) had previously undetected small paraproteins associated with immune-paresis. Using bromocresol purple, 74% of samples had an IgG of < 6 g/l using a cut-off of < 23 g/l. Screening using calculated globulin with defined cut-off values detects both primary and secondary antibody deficiency and new paraproteins associated with immune-paresis. It is cheap, widely available and under-utilized. Antibody-deficient patients have been discovered using information from calculated globulin values, shortening diagnostic delay and time to treatment with immunoglobulin replacement therapy.

PMID: 24784320 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

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Altered Serum Cytokine Signature in Common Variable Immunodeficiency.

J Clin Immunol. 2014 Sep 23;

Authors: Hel Z, Huijbregts RP, Xu J, Nechvatalova J, Vlkova M, Litzman J

Abstract
PURPOSE: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent form of primary symptomatic hypogammaglobulinemia. CVID patients display a number of abnormalities in lymphocyte subpopulations including chronic T-cell activation and decreased numbers of circulating CD4(+) T cells and NK cells. We and others have recently shown that CVID is associated with increased concentration of soluble CD14 (sCD14) and other factors indicating limited microbial translocation.
METHODS: To address the mechanisms of chronic immune activation in CVID, we performed a detailed analysis of cytokine serum levels in 36 patients with CVID, 52 patients with selective IgA deficiency (IgAD), and 56 healthy volunteers.
RESULTS: We show that CVID is associated with elevated serum levels of CXCL-10/IP-10, IL-1R antagonist, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12 (p40), CCL-2/MCP-1, G-CSF, and CCL-11/eotaxin. The detected cytokine signature is consistent with an ongoing activation of cells of myeloid lineage. In contrast, the levels of cytokines typically produced by CD4(+) T helper cells of Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2), Th2 (IL-9, IL-13), and Th17 (IL-17) subtypes were suppressed in CVID patients compared to healthy donors.
CONCLUSIONS: Presented data suggest that the altered cytokine profile observed in patients with CVID may be attributed to the activation of monocyte-macrophage and granulocyte lineages, possibly driven by the translocation of bacterial components across the gastrointestinal or respiratory tracts mucosal barrier.

PMID: 25246148 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Progressive neurodegenerative syndrome in a patient with x-linked agammaglobulinemia receiving intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

Cogn Behav Neurol. 2014 Sep;27(3):155-9

Authors: Sag AT, Saka E, Ozgur TT, Sanal O, Ayvaz DC, Elibol B, Kurne AT

Abstract
A progressive encephalopathy of unknown etiology has been described in patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders. In this report, we characterize the clinical features of this progressive neurodegenerative dementing disorder in a young man with Bruton agammaglobulinemia, through neuropsychological tests and a video sequence. The clinical course of the encephalopathy seems rather uniform: Cognition, especially frontal lobe function, is affected in the early stages, and some patients develop movement disorders. The syndrome causes severe cognitive and physical disability, and can eventually be fatal. The autoimmunity results from dysregulated immune responses, but the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully explained.

PMID: 25237746 [PubMed – in process]

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Cost-Minimization Analysis of IgPro20, a Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin, in Japanese Patients With Primary Immunodeficiency.

Clin Ther. 2014 Sep 15;

Authors: Igarashi A, Kanegane H, Kobayashi M, Miyawaki T, Tsutani K

Abstract
PURPOSE: IgPro20, Hizentra(®) an L-proline-stabilized 20% human subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG), has been shown in a Phase III pivotal study to be well tolerated and efficacious in adult and pediatric Japanese patients with primary immunodeficiency. Economic aspects of SCIG treatment in comparison with previous intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy were analyzed in this Phase III study in Japan.
METHODS: Twenty-four Japanese patients with primary immunodeficiency on IVIG treatment were switched to IgPro20 at an equivalent dose (full analysis set). The study consisted of a screening period, an IVIG treatment period with 3 planned infusions every 3 or 4 weeks, a 12-week SCIG wash-in and wash-out period, and a 12-week SCIG efficacy period. The difference in medical cost and productivity loss resulting from changes in hospital frequency between the SCIG and IVIG treatment was evaluated. Information about treatment cost was collected as part of the Life Quality Index questionnaire. In addition, productivity loss and hospital-related absenteeism were evaluated.
FINDINGS: Life Quality Index scores for all domains were higher with SCIG than with IVIG in this patient population. In the full analysis set, the mean (SD) Life Quality Index score of the Costs domain increased from 45.1 (26.34) at Week 1 (IVIG period) to 71.9 (18.52) at Week 24 (end of the SCIG efficacy period), representing a mean change of 26.74 and a large score improvement effect size (1.01). Median productivity loss was reduced by 60% from baseline to Weeks 12 and 24. This resulted in a reduction in costs of JPY 10,875 per patient per month at Weeks 12 and 24. Subcutaneous treatment with IgPro20 also reduced hospital-related absenteeism. The number of patients, parents, or guardians who were not absent from work or housework duties and had no reduction in working time increased from 4 (17.4%) at Week 1 to 9 (39.1%) at Week 24. Similar results were obtained in the per-protocol set (n = 21).
IMPLICATIONS: Switching from IVIG to SCIG reduced markedly productivity loss and hospital-related absenteeism. The reduction in hospital visit frequency due to the use of home-based IgG therapy enabled by the change in administration route is expected to produce an important pharmacoeconomic benefit in Japan. Study Code: ZLB06_002CR, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01199705.

PMID: 25236916 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Healing of Granulomatous Skin Changes in Ataxia-Telangiectasia After Treatment with Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Topical Mometasone 0.1% Ointment.

Pediatr Dermatol. 2014 Sep 18;

Authors: Privette ED, Ram G, Treat JR, Yan AC, Heimall JR

Abstract
Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by faulty DNA damage repair. The disease affects multiple systems and is noted to be particularly difficult to diagnose in children because of the wide spectrum of clinical presentations. We present an unusual case of a child in whom the primary cutaneous manifestation of AT was noninfectious cutaneous caseating granulomas. A 3-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with ataxia, poor growth, and multiple ulcerated plaques on both upper extremities that had been present for 2 years. She had two prolonged hospitalizations and underwent extensive examination to identify an etiology for the skin lesions. She was diagnosed with AT after immunology examinaton and genetic testing. Outpatient intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy was initiated and she was prescribed twice-daily mometasone 0.01% ointment under occlusion. After 6 weeks on this regimen her lesions had completely healed. Twenty-two cases of AT have been reported in which patients presented with cutaneous granulomas. This report demonstrates the first reported case in which the granulomatous skin lesions of AT healed after aggressive application of topical steroids with concurrent IVIG therapy, without oral steroids. A brief review of cutaneous granulomas in the setting of immunodeficiency is also presented.

PMID: 25236668 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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