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7(th) International Immunoglobulin Conference: Poster Presentations.

Clin Exp Immunol. 2014 Dec;178 Suppl S1:139-140

Authors: Warnatz K, Ballow M, Stangel M, Bril V

Abstract
Immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy is the mainstay of treatment for primary antibody deficiency disorders and has proved to be efficacious in specific autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, due to the role of Ig in complement activation, it is being used increasingly in solid organ transplantation. Furthermore, Ig is the primary or secondary treatment in some immune-mediated neuropathies such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) or multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). This session discusses trends of Ig use in Europe, proposed mechanisms of action, adverse effects and the potential role of Ig therapy in transplantation. Dr Šedivá reported that Ig therapy is available in all European countries, although dosing is not always optimal, due partly to reimbursement plans. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) has become increasingly accessible in recent years; however, the chosen route of administration still varies widely between countries. Dr Berger’s presentation on optimization of Ig therapy in neuropathies, and Dr Rojavin’s report on a pharmacometric model to determine the serum IgG levels achieved by different dosing regimens in primary antibody deficiency (PAD) patients, led to the challenging concept of using individualized dosing strategies. Dr Klehmet reported on the potential benefit of using antigen-specific T cell responses as a biomarker of IVIg responsiveness in CIDP patients, while Dr von Gunten provided an insight into the mechanisms of action of Ig preparations, suggesting that the immunoregulatory effects of IgG may be mediated by IgG antibodies against glycans. Dr Basta reported on the potential thrombogenic adverse effects associated with Ig therapy. Although these adverse events are rare, further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between Ig replacement and immunomodulatory therapy and these adverse reactions. In transplantation, Dr Carbone described that prophylactic IVIg treatment was found to decrease the incidence of severe infection in IgG hypogammaglobulinaemia patients undergoing heart transplantations. Furthermore, Dr Clatworthy reported that inactivating polymorphisms in the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIB do not impact upon kidney allograft survival.

PMID: 25546796 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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7(th) International Immunoglobulin Conference: Immunoglobulin in Clinical Practice.

Clin Exp Immunol. 2014 Dec;178 Suppl S1:86

Authors: Shapiro RS, Borte M

Abstract
Intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulins (IVIg and SCIg, respectively) are increasingly used in clinical practice, not only as replacement therapy but also for immunomodulation. Physicians have learned that primary immunodeficiency (PID) patients are susceptible to recurrent respiratory tract infections even when appropriately treated with immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy. Further investigation will establish whether a combined therapeutic approach including Ig dose optimization will prevent progressive lung disease in PID. The wear-off effects observed with IVIg can be minimized by adjusting the dosing regimen. It is also possible to avoid the cyclic wear-off following transition to SCIg administration. Consideration of benefit versus risk with Ig therapy includes evaluating the potential occurrence of thromboembolic and haemolytic events, which may be more frequent when Ig is administered in high doses and in the presence of pre-existing risk factors. The ability to select an administration method from IVIg, SCIg or hyaluronidase-facilitated SCIg infusions provides patient choice and alternatives if one or other administration route is not suitable for a patient. The evolution in indications, applications, and understanding of Ig therapy described here has reinforced the need for robust methods to prioritize Ig use.

PMID: 25546773 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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7(th) International Immunoglobulin Conference: Immunodeficiencies.

Clin Exp Immunol. 2014 Dec;178 Suppl S1:21

Authors: Schmidt RE, Ochs HD

Abstract
Awareness of the challenges involved in diagnosing and treating a heterogeneous group of immunodeficiency disorders is growing. The improvements in neonatal screening offer new methods to ensure that primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are diagnosed as early as possible, enabling accurate treatment and the prevention of life-threatening infections and other complications. Additionally, the need to individualize patient therapy in order to optimize both clinical outcomes and quality-of-life is obvious and is exemplified by the ability to switch between intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin administration offering flexible treatment regimens. However, further research is crucial in order to determine the optimal treatment for secondary immunodeficiencies, and to gain greater understanding of the underlying causes of PIDs, including common variable immunodeficiency. The information relating to the growth of patient registries is encouraging, with approximately 25 000 patients with PIDs included in the two registries discussed. Registries such as this are vital for future research, as well as providing an educational resource.

PMID: 25546748 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Dose and outcomes in primary immunodeficiency disorders.

Clin Exp Immunol. 2014 Dec;178 Suppl S1:7-9

Authors: Bonagura VR

PMID: 25546743 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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7(th) International Immunoglobulin Conference: Immunodeficiencies.

Clin Exp Immunol. 2014 Dec;178 Suppl S1:3-4

Authors: Schmidt RE, Ochs HD

Abstract
Most primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) are the result of single gene defects. Based on this fact, more than 240 different entities have been identified. Those PIDs with predominant antibody deficiency are treated with immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy. This review focuses on the diagnosis, clinical characteristics and treatment of patients suffering from PID, or secondary immunodeficiency disorders (SID) caused, for instance, by irradiation, immunosuppressive drugs or thymectomy. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most commonly diagnosed and least understood form of PID, with a heterogeneous range of symptoms and genotypes, requiring individualized treatment plans. This includes adjusting the dose and treatment interval, administrating Ig by intravenous or subcutaneous injection by either pump or push, and finally deciding which treatment options are best for a given patient. Ig therapy can also be used to treat immunodeficiencies resulting from lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases or immunosuppression following organ transplantation; however, there is an urgent need for research in this field. Accurate and early diagnosis of PID is important to ensure that optimal treatment is started early to maintain the patient’s health. Detailed patient registries have been established to increase awareness of PID, as well as provide a valuable resource for further research.

PMID: 25546741 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Fetal-onset IPEX: Report of two families and review of literature.

Clin Immunol. 2014 Dec 26;

Authors: Xavier-da-Silva MM, Moreira-Filho CA, Suzuki E, Patricio F, Coutinho A, Carneiro-Sampaio M

Abstract
Early-life autoimmunity is an IPEX characteristic, however intrauterine forms had not yet been described. Here, two unrelated families with clear evidence of fetal-onset IPEX are reported. One had 5 miscarriages of males in two generations, and a newborn presenting type-1 diabetes mellitus immediately after birth, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, eczematous dermatitis, eosinophilia, high IgE levels and autoantibodies to pancreatic islet antigens at 4-days-old. Maternal serology was negative. He presented a FOXP3 mutation, c.1189C>T, p.Arg397Trp, previously described only in another family with IPEX at birth. The second family had several miscarriages of males in three consecutive generations and a novel FOXP3 c.319_320delTC mutation was observed in two miscarried monochorionic twin male fetuses. These twins died at 21weeks of gestation due to hydrops, and CD3+ infiltrating lymphocytes were found in their pancreas. We demonstrate that: i) IPEX may develop in fetal life; ii) c.1189C>T and c.319_320delTC mutations are associated with early-onset phenotype.

PMID: 25546394 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Hyper-IgE syndrome with a novel STAT3 mutation-a single center study from India.

Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2014 Dec;32(4):321-7

Authors: Saikia B, Suri D, Goel S, Rawat A, Minz RW, Gupta A, Sharma S, Ohara O, Imai K, Nonoyama S, Sehgal S, Singh S

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by the triad of elevated IgE and eosinophilia, eczema and recurrent skin and pulmonary infections. Mutation in the STAT3 gene accounts for majority of the autosomal dominant and sporadic forms of HIES.
OBJECTIVE: To report clinical and molecular analyses of patients with Hyper IgE syndrome from a single tertiary care center in India.
METHODS: Four patients with suspected HIES were studied. Flowcytometry for TH17 cell numbers and phosphoSTAT3, and STAT3 gene sequencing were performed.
RESULTS: TH17 cells were significantly reduced. Mutations were found in the DNA-binding domain in three and a mutation in the transactivation domain in one patient. One of the mutations detected was a novel mutation (g54792 c.1018A> C p.K340Q) in the DNA binding domain. Mycobacterial infection, which is usually not commonly associated with HIES was found in two of our cases, one with a cutaneous abscess in the shoulder, and the other with BCG site reactivation.
CONCLUSIONS: A novel mutation in the STAT3 is reported. Mycobacterial infections can be seen in the spectrum of HIES related infections.

PMID: 25543043 [PubMed – in process]

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Lag-times between lympho-proliferative disorder and clinical diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): a prospective analysis using plasma soluble CD23.

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2014 Dec 26;

Authors: Kaaks R, Sookthai D, Luczynska A, Oakes CC, Becker S, Johnson T, Johansson AS, Melin B, Sjöberg K, Trichopoulos D, Trichopoulou A, Lagiou P, Mattiello A, Tumino R, Masala G, Agnoli C, Boeing H, Aleksandrova K, Brennan P, Franceschi S, Roulland S, Casabonne D, de Sanjose S, Sanchez M, Huerta J, Ardanaz E, Sala N, Overvad K, Tjonneland A, Halkjær J, Weiderpass E, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB, Vermeulen R, Peeters PH, Vineis P, Kelly RS, Khaw K, Travis RC, Key TJ, Riboli E, Nieters A

Abstract
Background:CLL is a chronic disease that often progresses slowly from a precursor stage, monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), and that can remain undiagnosed for a long time. Methods:Within the European EPIC cohort, we measured pre-diagnostic plasma sCD23 for 179 individuals who eventually were diagnosed with CLL and an equal number of matched control subjects who remained free of cancer. Results: In a very large proportion of CLL patients plasma sCD23 was clearly elevated 7 or more years before diagnosis. Considering sCD23 as a disease predictor, the area under the ROC curve (AUROC) was 0.95 [95% CI (0.90, 1.00)] for CLL diagnosed within 0.1-2.7 years after blood measurement, 0.90 [0.86-0.95] for diagnosis within 2.8-7.3 years, and 0.76 [0.65-0.86] for CLL diagnosed between 7.4 and 12.5 years. Even at a 7.4-year and longer time interval, elevated plasma sCD23 could predict a later clinical diagnosis of CLL with 100% specificity at >45% sensitivity. Conclusions:Our findings provide unique documentation for the very long latency times during which measurable B-cell lympho-proliferative disorder exists prior to the clinical manifestation of CLL. Impact:Our findings have relevance for the interpretation of prospective epidemiologic studies on the causes of CLL in terms of reverse causation bias. The lag-times indicate a time frame within which an early detection of CLL would be theoretically possible.

PMID: 25542829 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Linear growth and endocrine function in children with ataxia telangiectasia.

Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Nov;18(Suppl 1):S93-6

Authors: Ehlayel M, Soliman A, De Sanctis V

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare, genetic, primary immune deficiency disease characterized by immunodeficiency and neurological manifestations, with an increased tendency to infection, malignancy, and autoimmune diseases. Both growth delay and endocrine abnormalities are occasionally reported in these patients.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied growth parameters height (Ht), weight, body mass index (BMI) and calculated the Ht standard deviation scores (HtSDS) of 13 patients (age 7.7 ± 3.5 years-age range: 3-14.5 years) with AT in relation to their mid-parental Ht SDS (MPHtSDS). We measured their serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (PO4), alkaline phosphatase, alanine transferase (ALT), serum ferritin, creatinine and albumin concentrations. Endocrine investigations included the assessment of serum free thyroxine (FT4), thyrotropin (TSH), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and morning cortisol. Complete blood count and serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies) were also measured. Growth data were correlated to hormonal and immune data.
RESULTS: About 31% of patients with AT had short stature (HtSDS <-2). However, their MPHtSDS denoted that their short stature was familial because four out of 13 had MPHtSDS <-2. They had low BMI, and two of them had low serum albumin and IGF-I, denoting malnutrition or disturbed growth hormone secretion. Elevated serum ALT and ferritin in some patients suggest immune-related inflammation in the liver. 30% of patients had high TSH, two of them had low FT4 diagnosing overt (15%) and sub-clinical (15%) hypothyroidism. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies were high in two out of 13 patients denoting immune-related thyroid aggression. Eight out of 13 patients had Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) however, their serum Ca and PO4 levels were in the normal range. One adolescent girl (14.5 years) had hyper-gonadotropic hypogonadism (low estradiol and high follicle stimulating hormone). All patients had normal 8 AM cortisol and renal function. None of the growth parameters were correlated with the IgG, IgM or IgA levels.
IN SUMMARY: Patients with AT had a high prevalence of growth retardation and endocrine dysfunction in the form of low IGF-I, overt and subclinical hypothyroidism and hypogonadism. Physicians should be aware of these possible endocrinopathies for an early diagnosis and proper treatment.

PMID: 25538885 [PubMed]

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Related Articles

The pleiotropic movement disorders phenotype of adult ataxia-telangiectasia.

Neurology. 2014 Sep 16;83(12):1087-95

Authors: Méneret A, Ahmar-Beaugendre Y, Rieunier G, Mahlaoui N, Gaymard B, Apartis E, Tranchant C, Rivaud-Péchoux S, Degos B, Benyahia B, Suarez F, Maisonobe T, Koenig M, Durr A, Stern MH, Dubois d’Enghien C, Fischer A, Vidailhet M, Stoppa-Lyonnet D, Grabli D, Anheim M

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical spectrum of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) in adults, with a focus on movement disorders.
METHODS: A total of 14 consecutive adults with A-T were included at 2 tertiary adult movement disorders centers and compared to 53 typical patients with A-T. Clinical evaluation, neurophysiologic and video-oculographic recording, imaging, laboratory investigations, and ATM analysis were performed.
RESULTS: In comparison with typical A-T cases, our patients demonstrated later mean age at onset (6.1 vs 2.5 years, p < 0.0001), later loss of walking ability (p = 0.003), and longer survival (p = 0.0039). The presenting feature was ataxia in 71% and dysarthria and dystonia in 14% each. All patients displayed movement disorders, among which dystonia and subcortical myoclonus were the most common (86%), followed by tremor (43%). Video-oculographic recordings revealed mostly dysmetric saccades and 46% of patients had normal latencies (i.e., no oculomotor apraxia) and velocities. The α-fetoprotein (AFP) level was normal in 7%, chromosomal instability was found in 29% (vs 100% of typical patients, p = 0.0006), and immunoglobulin deficiency was found in 29% (vs 69%, p = 0.057). All patients exhibited 2 ATM mutations, including at least 1 missense mutation in 79% of them (vs 36%, p = 0.0067).
CONCLUSION: There is great variability of phenotype and severity in A-T, including a wide spectrum of movement disorders. Karyotype and repeated AFP level assessments should be performed in adults with unexplained movement disorders as valuable clues towards the diagnosis. In case of a compatible phenotype, A-T should be considered even if age at onset is late and progression is slow.

PMID: 25122203 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

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