A case of DiGeorge syndrome in Georgia

M Chikovani1, T Kutubidze, N Khvedeliani

  • 1Tbilisi State Medical University, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence Medicine, Georgia.

Insights

DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic disorder, can cause severe immune deficiencies and recurrent infections in children. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing associated health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • DiGeorge syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting immune function.
  • Recurrent infections and specific congenital anomalies are common presentations.
  • Early identification is key to managing complex health needs.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old boy with recurrent otitis and cleft palate presented with fever and abdominal pain.
  • Laboratory findings included elevated ESR/CRP, low T lymphocytes, and positive peritoneal fluid for Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Genetic testing confirmed DiGeorge syndrome.

Findings:

  • DiGeorge syndrome presents with immune deficiencies, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • Associated conditions include cardiac defects (VSD), cleft palate, and potential calcium abnormalities.
  • Individuals with thymus dysfunction may face increased risk of autoimmune disorders later in life.

Implications:

  • Consider immune deficiencies in severe, persistent, or opportunistic infections.
  • Multidisciplinary specialist involvement is essential for comprehensive diagnosis and care.
  • Timely intervention can address critical issues like cardiac defects and immune dysfunction.

Related Concept Videos

Meiosis I01:49

Meiosis I

Meiosis is a carefully orchestrated set of cell divisions, the goal of which—in humans—is to produce haploid sperm or eggs, each containing half the number of chromosomes present in somatic cells elsewhere in the body. Meiosis I is the first such division, and involves several key steps, among them: condensation of replicated chromosomes in diploid cells; the pairing of homologous chromosomes and their exchange of information; and finally, the separation of homologous chromosomes by a...
Karyotyping01:17

Karyotyping

Describing the number and physical features of chromosomes can reveal abnormalities that underlie genetic diseases. This description is facilitated by special staining techniques that produce a particular banding pattern on each chromosome. State-of-the-art techniques make this approach even more powerful, enabling the detection of individual genes that cause disease.A Simple Chromosome Staining Technique Provides Valuable Scientific InsightSome genetic diseases can be detected by looking at...
Karyotyping01:17

Karyotyping

Describing the number and physical features of chromosomes can reveal abnormalities that underlie genetic diseases. This description is facilitated by special staining techniques that produce a particular banding pattern on each chromosome. State-of-the-art techniques make this approach even more powerful, enabling the detection of individual genes that cause disease.A Simple Chromosome Staining Technique Provides Valuable Scientific InsightSome genetic diseases can be detected by looking at...
Giardiasis01:12

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance02:30

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
Nondisjunction01:21

Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate correctly and move to the opposite poles of the cells. This produces daughter cells with abnormal chromosome numbers.  Nondisjunction is common during anaphase I or anaphase II of meiosis.  Mutations in synaptonemal complex proteins that attach homologous chromosomes increase the chances of nondisjunction in anaphase I of meiosis I. In contrast, mutations in topoisomerases and condensins that hold sister...