[Septic arthritis in a case of hyper-IgE syndrome]

Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is characterized by recurrent skin and pulmonary infections (mainly bacterial), eczematous dermatitis and elevated serum IgE levels. Associated abnormalities in some patients include coarse facial features, failure or delay of shedding of primary teeth, recurrent fractures, hyperextensible joints, and scoliosis. Laboratory abnormalities include elevated total serum IgE levels, typically ranging from 1000 to greater than 50,000IU/mL and variable eosinophilia. The diagnosis of HIES is based upon the presence of suggestive clinical and laboratory findings. A definitive laboratory test is not commercially available at present. Management of patients with HIES is focused on skin care, prevention of infection, prompt and complete treatment of infections that do develop, and control of pulmonary complications.