A child with x-linked agammaglobulinemia and enthesitis-related arthritis

Int J Rheumatol. 2011:2011:175973. doi: 10.1155/2011/175973. Epub 2011 Jun 1.

Abstract

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immune deficiency characterized by recurrent bacterial infections and profoundly depressed serum immunoglobulin levels and circulating mature B cells. We describe a 12-year-old boy with XLA and enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA). To date, there has been a paucity of reports of noninfectious inflammatory arthritis in children with XLA. This case illustrates that functional B cells and/or immunoglobulin are not required for ERA pathogenesis. In addition, this case suggests a possible link between immune deficiency, immune dysregulation, and rheumatic illness.

Publication types

  • Case Reports