[Primary immunodeficiency diseases in children: clinical analysis of 35 cases]

Abstract

Objective: To summarize clinical features of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) in children.

Methods: The clinical data of 35 children with PID from September 2005 to December 2008 were studied retrospectively, including illness history, birth history, family history, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, diagnosis, treatment and outcome.

Results: Of the 35 cases of PID, 6 cases were confirmed with combined T- and B-cell immunodeficiency, 4 cases with X-linked agammaglobulinaemia, 22 cases with selective IgG subclass deficiency, 1 case with common variable immunodeficiency and 2 cases with chronic granulomatous disease. All cases had fever and recurrent infections. Respiratory and digestive tract infections were the most common clinical manifestation. Some of the PID cases lagged behind the normal children of the same age in growth and development. Human gamma-globulin transfusion and anti-infection therapy were administered. Two patients discontinued the therapy, one was transferred to the other hospital and the other 32 patients were discharged following improvement in clinical symptoms.

Conclusions: PID should be considered in children who suffer from recurrent infections and autoimmune diseases or do not respond to long-term use of antibiotics. Immunologic tests should be done as early as possible for the children.