Velocardiofacial syndrome: incidence of immune cytopenias

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) is associated with a broad clinical spectrum that frequently overlaps the DiGeorge syndrome. Both have been linked to chromosomal microdeletions of chromosome 22 (22q11.2). DiGeorge syndrome is associated with T-cell dysfunction. What is the incidence of immune cytopenias in children with VCFS?

To (1) identify, (2) characterize, (3) quantify, and (4) follow up the immunologic deficits in children initially seen in our institution with VCFS.

Prospective clinical evaluation of patients with the features of VCFS.

Twenty consecutive children with the clinical diagnoses of VCFS.

Tertiary care children's hospital.

All 20 children had genetics evaluation with chromosomal analysis. Immunologic evaluations included serum immunoglobulin concentrations, lymphocyte studies, and mitogen and antigen stimulation studies.

Five (25%) of 20 children were noted to have T-cell dysfunction with a clinical presentation marked by recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. Three of these 5 children had resolution of the T-cell dysfunction over a 2-year period. The 2 children with persistent cytopenias combined with immunoglobulin dysfunction required intravenous IgG infusions to control their infections.

Velocardiofacial syndrome is associated with an increased incidence of immune cytopenias and, thus, warrants evaluation in any child with the clinical diagnosis of VCFS. This immune deficit may be transient and depends on the age of the evaluation of the child.