Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

In Vivo Functional Study of Disease-associated Rare Human Variants Using Drosophila
Published on: August 20, 2019
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.
Abstract:
Patient 6 - year- old boy, with history of recurrent otitis, cleft palate, was admitted to the hospital for fever, abdominal pain; He had high ESR,CRP, low T lymphocytes, VSD. Peritoneal fluid was positive for pseudomona aeroginoza. Diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome was confirmed by further genetical study. Immune deficiencies should be considered when infections are severe, persistent resistant to standard treatment, or caused by opportunistic organisms. Treatments can often correct many of the critical and immediate problems associated with DiGeorge syndrome such as heart defects, calcium defects, poor immune system functions and cleft palate. People who had poor immune function as children due to small or missing thymus, may have an increased risk of autoimmune disorders, such as a rheumatoid arthritis and Graves disease. Because DiGeorge syndrome can result in so many disorders, a number of specialists should be involved in diagnosing specific conditions, recommending treatments and providing care.
Related Concept Videos
Meiosis I
Karyotyping
Karyotyping
Giardiasis
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
Nondisjunction
