Immune abnormalities are a frequent manifestation of Kabuki syndrome

Am J Med Genet A. 2005 Jun 15;135(3):278-81. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.30722.

Abstract

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is associated with multiple organ system involvement. Characteristic features include long palpebral fissures with everted lower lids, prominent ears, skeletal abnormalities, mental retardation, and short stature. An increased incidence of infection has been reported in KS, and a few patients have been noted to have immune defects. However, the frequency and severity of the immune deficiency has not been clearly defined. Immunologic evaluation of 19 consecutive individuals with KS was performed at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Decreased IgA levels were noted in 15/19 individuals (79%), 2 of whom had undetectable levels. Eight patients (42%) also had low total IgG levels. Specific IgG subclass abnormalities were found in 6 of 13 patients evaluated. IgM levels were less frequently decreased. One patient failed to generate anti-tetanus antibodies despite immunization. This study suggests that hypogammaglobulinemia is a frequent finding in children with KS. The pattern of antibody abnormalities seen in children with KS resembles common variable immune deficiency (CVID). Due to this increased susceptibility to infection, children with KS should have immunologic evaluations at the time of diagnosis in order to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / genetics
  • Abnormalities, Multiple / immunology*
  • Abnormalities, Multiple / pathology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Craniofacial Abnormalities / pathology*
  • Ear / abnormalities
  • Growth Disorders / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Infant
  • Intellectual Disability / pathology*
  • Karyotyping
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M