At a Glance Diagnosis of IgA deficiency should be considered in patients who have frequent and/or severe recurrent sinusitis, otitis, or pneumonia caused by typical encapsulated bacteria, such as streptococcus (including pneumococcal disease), staphylococcus, and hemophilus. Unexplained bronchiectasis, reflecting recurrent or persistent pneumonitis, should also raise the possibility of IgA deficiency. What Tests Should I…
At a Glance The diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) should be considered in patients who have frequent or severe or atypical infections, congenital cardiac or aortic arch anomalies, or neonatal seizures or tetany with hypocalcemia. Demonstration of multiple anatomical anomalies in the chest, including absent or unusually small thymus gland in an infant, should suggest…
At a Glance Male infants, boys, or young men with recurrent or chronic eczematous dermatitis; recurrent, chronic, or severe infections; thrombocytopenia with abnormal bleeding; and small platelets should be considered for the diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS). Thrombocytopenia with bleeding is frequently present immediately after birth, and any male with thrombocytopenia and small platelets should…
At a Glance Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) should be considered in patients with recurrent bacterial otitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, or gastrointestinal infection with giardia. Sinopulmonary infections are usually caused by routine bacteria, such as Hemophilus, Streptococci, pneumococcus, and mycoplasma. Recurrent bronchitis and pneumonia leading to bronchiectasis also raise the suspicion that an immunodeficiency, such as…
At a Glance Patients with seasonal or chronic rhinitis, asthma, hives, or atopic dermatitis should be evaluated for possible environmental exposures. When the history suggests an environmental cause, allergic disorders are commonly considered. A history of an anaphylactic reaction to a food, drug, venom, or other exposure is an indication for allergy testing if the…
