Transfer factor therapy in hyperimmunoglobulinaemia E syndrome

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Investigated the therapeutic potential of transfer factor (TF) in two children with severe, intractable atopic dermatitis.
• Patients presented with recurrent pyogenic skin infections, hyperimmunoglobulinaemia E (hyper-IgE), defective neutrophil chemotaxis, and depressed cell-mediated immunity.

Observation:

• Both children experienced striking clinical improvement, including resolution of skin infections, pruritus, and eczema.
• One patient remained lesion-free for 13 months post-therapy, while the second experienced a recurrence after 8 months.
• Patients were successfully weaned off steroids and antibiotics.

Findings:

• Transfer factor (TF) administration did not alter T cell rosette numbers or lymphocyte blastic transformation.
• TF therapy led to conversion of skin-test reactivity in both patients.
• Correction of polymorphonuclear chemotaxis was observed in one patient.
• A marked, persistent rise in serum IgE was noted in both patients without clinical side effects.

Implications:

• Transfer factor (TF) therapy may benefit patients with hyperimmunoglobulinaemia E (hyper-IgE) syndrome.
• Findings support the hypothesis that T lymphocyte deficiency contributes to eczema in hyper-IgE syndrome.
• TF therapy represents a potential treatment for complex immune-related dermatological conditions.