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Purpose To define the burden of morbidity and mortality arising from COVID-19 in individuals with primary (PID) and secondary immunodeficiency (SID) in the United Kingdom. Methods In March 2020, the United Kingdom Primary Immunodeficiency Network (UKPIN) established a registry of cases to collate the outcomes of individuals with PID and SID following SARS-CoV-2 infection and treatment. Anonymised demographic data, pre-SARS-CoV-2 infection lymphocyte counts, co-morbidities, targeted treatments and outcomes were collected. Three groups were analysed in further detail: individuals with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), individuals with any PID, including CVID, receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) and individuals with secondary immunodeficiency. Results A total of 310 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with PID or SID have now been reported in the UK. The overall mortality within the cohort was 17.7% (n = 55/310). Individuals with CVID demonstrated an infection fatality rate (IFR) of 18.3% (n = 17/93), individuals with PID receiving IgRT had an IFR of 16.3% (n = 26/159) and individuals with SID, an IFR of 27.2% (n = 25/92). Individuals with PID and SID, had higher inpatient mortality and died at a younger age than the general population. Increasing age, low pre-SARS-CoV-2 infection lymphocyte count and the presence of common co-morbidities increased the risk of mortality in PID. Access to specific COVID-19 treatments in this cohort was limited: only 22.9% (n = 33/144) of patients admitted to hospital received dexamethasone, remdesivir, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody-based therapeutic (e.g. REGN-COV2 or convalescent plasma) or tocilizumab as a monotherapy or in combination. Dexamethasone, remdesivir and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody-based therapeutics appeared efficacious in PID and SID. Conclusion Compared to the general population, individuals with PID or SID are at high risk of mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increasing age, low baseline lymphocyte count and the presence of co-morbidities are additional risk factors for poor outcome in this cohort.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused mild illness in children, until the emergence of the novel hyperinflammatory condition paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (PIMS-TS). PIMS-TS is thought to be a post-SARS-CoV-2 immune dysregulation with excessive inflammatory cytokine release. We studied 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations in children with PIMS-TS, admitted to a tertiary paediatric hospital in the UK, due to its postulated role in cytokine regulation and immune response. Eighteen children (median (range) age 8·9 (0·3-14·6) years, male = 10) met the case definition. The majority were of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) origin (89 %, 16/18). Positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were present in 94 % (17/18) and RNA by PCR in 6 % (1/18). Seventy-eight percentage of the cohort were vitamin D deficient (< 30 nmol/l). The mean 25OHD concentration was significantly lower when compared with the population mean from the 2015/16 National Diet and Nutrition Survey (children aged 4–10 years) (24 v. 54 nmol/l (95 % CI −38·6, −19·7); P < 0·001). The paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) group had lower mean 25OHD concentrations compared with the non-PICU group, but this was not statistically significant (19·5 v. 31·9 nmol/l; P = 0·11). The higher susceptibility of BAME children to PIMS-TS and also vitamin D deficiency merits contemplation. Whilst any link between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of COVID-19 and related conditions including PIMS-TS requires further evidence, public health measures to improve vitamin D status of the UK BAME population have been long overdue.

Children were relatively spared during COVID-19 pandemic. However, the recently reported hyperinflammatory syndrome with overlapping features of Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome-"Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome-temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2" (PIMS-TS) has caused concern. We describe cardiac findings and short-term outcomes in children with PIMS-TS at a tertiary children's hospital. Single-center observational study of children with PIMS-TS from 10th April to 9th May 2020. Data on ECG and echocardiogram were retrospectively analyzed along with demographics, clinical features and blood parameters. Fifteen children with median age of 8.8 (IQR 6.4-11.2) years were included, all were from African/Afro-Caribbean, South Asian, Mixed or other minority ethnic groups. All showed raised inflammatory/cardiac markers (CRP, ferritin, Troponin I, CK and pro-BNP). Transient valve regurgitation was present in 10 patients (67%). Left Ventricular ejection fraction was reduced in 12 (80%), fractional shortening in 8 (53%) with resolution in all but 2. Fourteen (93%) had coronary artery abnormalities, with normalization in 6. ECG abnormalities were present in 9 (60%) which normalized in 6 by discharge. Ten (67%) needed inotropes and/or vasopressors. None needed extracorporeal life support. Improvement in cardiac biochemical markers was closely followed by improvement in ECG/echocardiogram. All patients were discharged alive and twelve (80%) have been reviewed since. Our entire cohort with PIMS-TS had cardiac involvement and this degree of involvement is significantly more than other published series and emphasizes the need for specialist cardiac review. We believe that our multi-disciplinary team approach was crucial for the good short-term outcomes.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a life-threatening disease occurring several weeks after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Deep immune profiling showed acute MIS-C patients had highly activated neutrophils, classical monocytes and memory CD8+ T-cells, with increased frequencies of B-cell plasmablasts and double-negative B-cells. Post treatment samples from the same patients, taken during symptom resolution, identified recovery-associated immune features including increased monocyte CD163 levels, emergence of a new population of immature neutrophils and, in some patients, transiently increased plasma arginase. Plasma profiling identified multiple features shared by MIS-C, Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19 and that therapeutic inhibition of IL-6 may be preferable to IL-1 or TNF-α. We identified several potential mechanisms of action for IVIG, the most commonly used drug to treat MIS-C. Finally, we showed systemic complement activation with high plasma C5b-9 levels is common in MIS-C suggesting complement inhibitors could be used to treat the disease., Graphical abstract, Genomics; Immune response; Immune system disorder; Immunology

Studies of chest computed tomography (CT) in patients with primary antibody deficiency syndromes (ADS) suggest a broad range of bronchial pathology. However, there are as yet no multicentre studies to assess the variety of bronchial pathology in this patient group. One of the underlying reasons is the lack of a consensus methodology, a prerequisite to jointly document chest CT findings. We aimed to establish an international platform for the evaluation of bronchial pathology as assessed by chest CT and to describe the range of bronchial pathologies in patients with antibody deficiency. Ffteen immunodeficiency centres from 9 countries evaluated chest CT scans of patients with ADS using a predefined list of potential findings including an extent score for bronchiectasis. Data of 282 patients with ADS were collected. Patients with common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID) comprised the largest subgroup (232 patients, 82.3%). Eighty percent of CVID patients had radiological evidence of bronchial pathology including bronchiectasis in 61%, bronchial wall thickening in 44% and mucus plugging in 29%. Bronchiectasis was detected in 44% of CVID patients aged less than 20 years. Cough was a better predictor for bronchiectasis than spirometry values. Delay of diagnosis as well as duration of disease correlated positively with presence of bronchiectasis. The use of consensus diagnostic criteria and a pre-defined list of bronchial pathologies allows for comparison of chest CT data in multicentre studies. Our data suggest a high prevalence of bronchial pathology in CVID due to late diagnosis or duration of disease.

Paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19 (PIMS-TS) is a novel condition that was first reported in April, 2020. We aimed to develop a national consensus management pathway for the UK to provide guidance for clinicians caring for children with PIMS-TS. A three-phase online Delphi process and virtual consensus meeting sought consensus over the investigation, management, and research priorities from multidisciplinary clinicians caring for children with PIMS-TS. We used 140 consensus statements to derive a consensus management pathway that describes the initial investigation of children with suspected PIMS-TS, including blood markers to help determine the severity of disease, an echocardiogram, and a viral and septic screen to exclude other infectious causes of illness. The importance of a multidisciplinary team in decision making for children with PIMS-TS is highlighted throughout the guidance, along with the recommended treatment options, including supportive care, intravenous immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone, and biological therapies. These include IL-1 antagonists (eg, anakinra), IL-6 receptor blockers (eg, tocilizumab), and anti-TNF agents (eg, infliximab) for children with Kawasaki disease-like phenotype and non-specific presentations. Use of a rapid online Delphi process has made it possible to generate a national consensus pathway in a timely and cost-efficient manner in the middle of a global pandemic. The consensus statements represent the views of UK clinicians and are applicable to children in the UK suspected of having PIMS-TS. Future evidence will inform updates to this guidance, which in the interim provides a solid framework to support clinicians caring for children with PIMS-TS. This process has directly informed new PIMS-TS specific treatment groups as part of the adaptive UK RECOVERY trial protocol, which is the first formal randomised controlled trial of therapies for PIMS-TS globally.

Paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome: temporally associated with SARS-COV-2 (PIMS-TS) is a well described rare but severe COVID-19 related syndrome. PIMS-TS have been reported in children from geographical areas of high COVID-19 infection. Most children with PIMS-TS require management in an intensive care unit with variable respiratory involvement. Adults recovering from COVID-19 infection have been reported to suffer from respiratory morbidity but such outcomes are unknown in children. We present the first report of normal short term respiratory outcomes as measured by spirometry in children with SARS-COV-2 antibody positive, PIMS-TS syndrome managed at a specialist children’s hospital in the UK.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a life-threatening disease occurring several weeks after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Deep immune profiling showed acute MIS-C patients had highly activated neutrophils, classical monocytes and memory CD8+ T-cells; increased frequencies of B-cell plasmablasts and double-negative B-cells. Post treatment samples from the same patients, taken when symptoms were resolving, identified recovery-associated immune features including CD163+ monocytes, emergence of a new population of immature neutrophils and, in some patients, a transient increase in arginase. Plasma profiling identified multiple features shared by MIS-C, Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19 and that therapeutic inhibition of IL6 may be preferable to IL1 or TNF-a. We identified potential new mechanisms of action for IVIG, the most commonly used drug to treat MIS-C. Finally, we showed systemic complement activation with high plasma C5b-9 levels is common in MIS-C, suggesting complement inhibitors could be used to treat the disease. Funding Information: Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity funded the single cell RNA sequencing analysis. No other external funding was received. Declaration of Interests: None declared. Ethics Approval Statement: Reviewed and approved by South of Birmingham Research Ethics Committee (REC: 17/WM/0453, IRAS: 233593).

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a life-threatening disease occurring several weeks after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. MIS-C has overlapping clinical features with Kawasaki Disease (KD), a rare childhood vasculitis. MIS-C therapy is largely based on KD treatment protocols but whether these diseases share underpinning immunological perturbations is unknown. We performed deep immune profiling on blood samples from healthy children and patients with MIS-C or KD. Acute MIS-C patients had highly activated neutrophils, classical monocytes and memory CD8+ T-cells; increased frequencies of B-cell plasmablasts and CD27-IgD-double-negative B-cells; and increased levels of pro-inflammatory (IL6, IL18, IP10, MCP1) but also anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL1-RA, sTNFR1, sTNFR2) cytokines. Increased neutrophil count correlated with inflammation,cardiac dysfunction and disease severity. Two days after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, MIS-C patients had increased CD163 expression on monocytes, expansion of a novel population of immature neutrophils, and decreased levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the blood accompanied by a transient increase in arginase in some patients. Our data show MIS-C and KD share substantial immunopathology and identify potential new mechanisms of action for IVIG, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug used to treat MIS-C, KD and other inflammatory diseases.

We describe the critical care course of children with a novel hyperinflammatory syndrome associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with focus on trajectory before and after immunomodulation. Overall, 10 patients who met the U.K. Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health case definition during a 2-month study period were analyzed. All tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody. Although only 20% were ventilated, 100% required inotropic or vasopressor support. All children had significantly raised inflammatory markers with a median C-reactive protein of 248 (175–263) mg/L, ferritin of 1,561 (726–2,255) µg/L, and troponin-I of 723 (351–2,235) ng/L. Six patients had moderately impaired myocardial function and two had severe impairment. None needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Despite severe illness only a brief period of critical care support of 3 to 5 days was required. Eight received at least one dose of intravenous immunoglobulin. Six received high-dose steroids. Clinical improvement including cardiovascular stability and reduction in inflammatory markers may have occurred with and without immunomodulation.

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, reports have surfaced of children who present with features of a multisystem inflammatory syndrome with overlapping features of Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome – Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome-temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (PIMS-TS). Initial reports find that many of the children are PCR-negative for SARS-CoV-2, so it is difficult to confirm whether this syndrome is a late complication of viral infection in an age group largely spared the worst consequences of this infection, or if this syndrome reflects enhanced surveillance.MethodsChildren hospitalised for symptoms consistent with PIMS-TS between 28 April and 8 May 2020, and who were PCR-negative for SARS-CoV-2, were tested for antibodies to viral spike glycoprotein using an ELISA test.ResultsEight patients (age range 7–14 years, 63% male) fulfilled case-definition for PIMS-TS during the study period. Six of the eight patients required admission to intensive care. All patients exhibited significant IgG and IgA responses to viral spike glycoprotein. Further assessment showed that the IgG isotypes detected in children with PIMS-TS were of the IgGl and lgG3 subclasses, a distribution similar to that observed in samples from hospitalised adult COVID-19 patients. In contrast, lgG2 and lgG4 were not detected in children or adults. IgM was not detected in children, which contrasts with adult hospitalised adult COVID-19 patients of whom all had positive IgM responses.ConclusionsStrong IgG antibody responses can be detected in PCR-negative children with PIMS-TS. The low detection rate of IgM in these patients is consistent with infection having occurred weeks previously and that the syndrome onset occurs well after the control of SARS-CoV-2 viral load. This implies that the disease is largely immune-mediated. Lastly, this indicates that serology can be an appropriate diagnostic tool in select patient groups.

As the majority of children on paediatric wards, especially in winter, have infections all paediatricians will be involved in infection control and prevention (ICP) without realising it. ICP measures include decisions on isolation of patients, which can be difficult with small numbers of cubicles. Children, who are highly infectious, have potential severe infections and those who are more at risk of developing severe infections (e.g. immunocompromised) should be isolated. Handwashing/decontamination is the central and most essential part of ICP measures. It should be actively encouraged and regularly monitored to ensure adherence. The ward layout will influence how we manage ICP. This includes placement and number of alcohol dispensers, sinks, bathrooms, equipment storage and the number of cubicles. It is also worth reviewing ward cleaning policies to assess whether these can be streamlined, potentially freeing up beds/cubicles earlier and leading to cost improvement without putting patients and staff at risk. We encourage all our staff to be fully vaccinated (including seasonal influenza vaccines and MMR). Paediatricians need to be closely involved in antibiotic stewardship and act as role models for all aspects of infection control, particularly proper handwashing.

Contains fulltext : 229571.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: An increasing number of NFKB1 variants are being identified in patients with heterogeneous immunologic phenotypes. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical and cellular phenotype as well as the management of patients with heterozygous NFKB1 mutations. METHODS: In a worldwide collaborative effort, we evaluated 231 individuals harboring 105 distinct heterozygous NFKB1 variants. To provide evidence for pathogenicity, each variant was assessed in silico; in addition, 32 variants were assessed by functional in vitro testing of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells (NF-κB) signaling. RESULTS: We classified 56 of the 105 distinct NFKB1 variants in 157 individuals from 68 unrelated families as pathogenic. Incomplete clinical penetrance (70%) and age-dependent severity of NFKB1-related phenotypes were observed. The phenotype included hypogammaglobulinemia (88.9%), reduced switched memory B cells (60.3%), and respiratory (83%) and gastrointestinal (28.6%) infections, thus characterizing the disorder as primary immunodeficiency. However, the high frequency of autoimmunity (57.4%), lymphoproliferation (52.4%), noninfectious enteropathy (23.1%), opportunistic infections (15.7%), autoinflammation (29.6%), and malignancy (16.8%) identified NF-κB1-related disease as an inborn error of immunity with immune dysregulation, rather than a mere primary immunodeficiency. Current treatment includes immunoglobulin replacement and immunosuppressive agents. CONCLUSIONS: We present a comprehensive clinical overview of the NF-κB1-related phenotype, which includes immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, autoinflammation, and cancer. Because of its multisystem involvement, clinicians from each and every medical discipline need to be made aware of this autosomal-dominant disease. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and NF-κB1 pathway-targeted therapeutic strategies should be considered in the future.

In the original version of this article unfortunately two authors were missing: Dr. Jurgen Weidemann and Dr. Daniel Berthold. The correct list of authors is presented above.

© 2019 American Society of Human Genetics The occurrence of non-epileptic hyperkinetic movements in the context of developmental epileptic encephalopathies is an increasingly recognized phenomenon. Identification of causative mutations provides an important insight into common pathogenic mechanisms that cause both seizures and abnormal motor control. We report bi-allelic loss-of-function CACNA1B variants in six children from three unrelated families whose affected members present with a complex and progressive neurological syndrome. All affected individuals presented with epileptic encephalopathy, severe neurodevelopmental delay (often with regression), and a hyperkinetic movement disorder. Additional neurological features included postnatal microcephaly and hypotonia. Five children died in childhood or adolescence (mean age of death: 9 years), mainly as a result of secondary respiratory complications. CACNA1B encodes the pore-forming subunit of the pre-synaptic neuronal voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2.2/N-type, crucial for SNARE-mediated neurotransmission, particularly in the early postnatal period. Bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in CACNA1B are predicted to cause disruption of Ca2+ influx, leading to impaired synaptic neurotransmission. The resultant effect on neuronal function is likely to be important in the development of involuntary movements and epilepsy. Overall, our findings provide further evidence for the key role of Cav2.2 in normal human neurodevelopment.

Humans as models of human disease Mice are a convenient model for exploring the functions of cellular signaling pathways. Occasionally, however, an “experiment of nature” highlights the perils of overreliance on mice. RIPK1 is a well studied protein kinase that regulates cell death. Mice deficient in RIPK1 die soon after birth because of the protein's widespread role in multiple tissues and organs. Cuchet-Lourenço et al. studied patients with inherited immunodeficiency of unknown cause (see the Perspective by Pasparakis and Kelliher). They identified inactivating mutations in the RIPK1 gene in four individuals. Unlike what has been seen in mice, the deleterious effects of RIPK1 loss in humans were confined to the immune system, a finding with potential therapeutic implications. Science , this issue p. 810 ; see also p. 756

Complement immunodeficiencies (excluding hereditary angioedema and mannose binding lectin deficiency) are rare. Published literature consists largely of case reports and small series. We collated data from 18 cities across Europe to provide an overview of primarily homozygous, rather than partial genotypes and their impact and management.Patients were recruited through the ESID registry. Clinical and laboratory information was collected onto standardized forms and analyzed using SPSS software.Seventy-seven patients aged 1 to 68 years were identified. 44 % presented in their first decade of life. 29 % had C2 deficiency, defects in 11 other complement factors were found. 50 (65 %) had serious invasive infections. 61 % of Neisseria meningitidis infections occurred in patients with terminal pathway defects, while 74 % of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections occurred in patients with classical pathway defects (p 0.001). Physicians in the UK were more likely to prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis than colleagues on the Continent for patients with classical pathway defects. After diagnosis, 16 % of patients suffered serious bacterial infections. Age of the patient and use of prophylactic antibiotics were not associated with subsequent infection risk. Inflammatory/autoimmune diseases were not seen in patients with terminal pathway, but in one third of patients classical and alternative pathway defects.The clinical phenotypes of specific complement immunodeficiencies vary considerably both in terms of the predominant bacterial pathogen, and the risk and type of auto-inflammatory disease. Appreciation of these phenotypic differences should help both immunologists and other specialists in their diagnosis and management of these rare and complex patients.

BackgroundThere is little current consensus regarding the route or duration of antibiotic treatment for acute osteomyelitis (OM) and septic arthritis (SA) in children.ObjectiveTo assess the overall feasibility and inform the design of a future randomised controlled trial (RCT) to reduce the duration of intravenous (i.v.) antibiotic use in paediatric OM and SA.Design(1) A prospective service evaluation (cohort study) to determine the current disease spectrum and UK clinical practice in paediatric OM/SA; (2) a prospective cohort substudy to assess the use of targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in diagnosing paediatric OM/SA; (3) a qualitative study to explore families’ views and experiences of OM/SA; and (4) the development of a core outcome set via a systematic review of literature, Delphi clinician survey and stakeholder consensus meeting.SettingForty-four UK secondary and tertiary UK centres (service evaluation).ParticipantsChildren with OM/SA.InterventionsPCR diagnostics were compared with culture as standard of care. Semistructured interviews were used in the qualitative study.ResultsData were obtained on 313 cases of OM/SA, of which 218 (61.2%) were defined as simple disease and 95 (26.7%) were defined as complex disease. The epidemiology of paediatric OM/SA in this study was consistent with existing European data. Children who met oral switch criteria less than 7 days from starting i.v. antibiotics were less likely to experience treatment failure (9.6%) than children who met oral switch criteria after 7 days of i.v. therapy (16.1% when switch was between 1 and 2 weeks; 18.2% when switch was > 2 weeks). In 24 out of 32 simple cases (75%) and 8 out of 12 complex cases (67%) in which the targeted PCR was used, a pathogen was detected. The qualitative study demonstrated the importance to parents and children of consideration of short- and long-term outcomes meaningful to families themselves. The consensus meeting agreed on the following outcomes: rehospitalisation or recurrence of symptoms while on oral antibiotics, recurrence of infection, disability at follow-up, symptom free at 1 year, limb shortening or deformity, chronic OM or arthritis, amputation or fasciotomy, death, need for paediatric intensive care, and line infection. Oral switch criteria were identified, including resolution of fever for ≥ 48 hours, tolerating oral food and medicines, and pain improvement.LimitationsData were collected in a 6-month period, which might not have been representative, and follow-up data for long-term complications are limited.ConclusionsA future RCT would need to recruit from all tertiary and most secondary UK hospitals. Clinicians have implemented early oral switch for selected patients with simple disease without formal clinical trial evidence of safety. However, the current criteria by which decisions to make the oral switch are made are not clearly established or evidence based.Future workA RCT in simple OM and SA comparing shorter- or longer-course i.v. therapy is feasible in children randomised after oral switch criteria are met after 7 days of i.v. therapy, excluding children meeting oral switch criteria in the first week of i.v. therapy. This study design meets clinician preferences and addresses parental concerns not to randomise prior to oral switch criteria being met.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

AIMS To characterise patients with systemic reactions and anaphylaxis with an acute serum tryptase of ≥14 μg/L against recently published World Allergy Organisation (WAO) diagnostic criteria. To also perform a clinical audit to assess adherence to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline recommendations regarding serial tryptase measurements and specialist referral. METHODS A systematic retrospective survey (2006-2010) was carried out (n=171; males=86; mean age±SD 48±20 years) and data were extracted from emergency department and specialist allergy clinic records. RESULTS 34 patients (20%) had a grade 1 reaction, 61 (36%) grade 2, 46 (27%) grade 3 and 6 patients (4%) grade 4 (24 patients (13%) could not be graded due to lack of adequate clinical details) and 6% developed a biphasic response. Serial tryptase measurements were not available in 117 (69%) of the cohort. 97 (57%) patients were referred for specialist assessment, and 72 (74%) attended. 50% of cases were diagnosed with idiopathic systemic reactions/anaphylaxis and 28%, 14% and 8% triggered by drugs, foods and other allergies including disorders of mast cell overload, respectively. A weak positive correlation was detected between acute serum tryptase and severity. CONCLUSIONS The correlation between acute serum tryptase and severity of anaphylaxis/systemic reactions is weak. A significant proportion of patients with raised acute serum tryptase had mild reactions which did not meet WAO criteria for anaphylaxis and this may reduce the specificity of the test. The commonest aetiology in this cohort was idiopathic followed by drug and food allergies. NICE guidelines relating to serial tryptase measurements and specialist referral were not followed, and there is an urgent need to raise the awareness among clinicians involved in the management of anaphylaxis.

Primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) are disorders of the immune system that result in increased susceptibility to infectious disease, autoimmunity and malignancy. They are challenging to paediatricians as they can present anytime from birth to adolescence with a wide variety of signs and symptoms. It is important to diagnose PIDs promptly, especially more severe forms to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. However, significant challenges exist in deciding which children to investigate and when. We aim to give a basic understanding of the human immune system, the different presentations in a child that should alert a paediatrician about the possibility of PID and the possible underlying diagnosis. Additionally, we have developed a framework for a stepwise approach to investigating these children.

Objective To assess persistence of immunity to hepatitis B (HBV) in primary school children vaccinated following perinatal exposure. Design Serological survey. Setting Five UK sites (Berkshire East, Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire). Participants Children from 3 years 4 months to 10 years of age (mean age 6.2 years), vaccinated against HBV from birth following perinatal exposure. Interventions A single booster dose of the paediatric formulation of a recombinant HBV vaccine. Main outcome measures Titres of antibody against hepatitis B Surface Antigen (anti-HBs) measured immediately before and 21–35 days after the HBV vaccine booster. Results Prebooster anti-HBs titres were >10 mIU/ml in 84.6% of children (n=26; 95% CI 65.1 to 95.6%). All children (n=25, 95% CI 86.3 to 100%) had titres >100 mIU/ml after the booster. Conclusions This study of antibody persistence among UK children born to hepatitis B infected women, immunised with a 3-dose infant schedule with a toddler booster suggests sustained immunity through early childhood. These data should prompt further studies to address the need for a preschool booster. Trial registration Eudract Number 2008-004785-98.

Recent high-profile cases have made paediatricians very aware of the serious implications of either missing or wrongly diagnosing non-accidental injury. Subdural fluid collections in non-mobile infants usually represent haemorrhage caused by non-accidental injury. We report a 6-month-old male who presented to the Accident and Emergency Department of Birmingham Heartlands Hospital with bilateral subdural fluid collections and skin ulcers resembling cigarette burns. Non-accidental injury was considered to be the most likely diagnosis. However, while under observation in hospital, the child's neurological condition deteriorated with progressive cerebral infarctions, and serial photographs of the skin lesions showed failure to heal. The revised diagnosis, confirmed histologically, was Degos disease, an extremely rare and often fatal occlusive vasculopathy. The child was treated palliatively and died 8 weeks after presentation. This report informs doctors of a new simulator of non-accidental injury to be considered in infants with otherwise unexplained subdural fluid collections.

BACKGROUND The incidence of anaphylaxis in South Asians (Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi ethnicity) is unknown. Birmingham is a British city with a disproportionately large population of South Asians (22.5%) compared with the rest of the UK (4.9%). The main aims of this study were to determine the incidence and severity of anaphylaxis in this population and to investigate the differences between the South Asian and White populations. METHODS A retrospective electronic search of emergency department attendances at three hospitals in Birmingham during 2012 was carried out. Wide search terms were used, medical notes were scrutinized, and the World Allergy Organization diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis were applied. Patients' age, sex, ethnicity and home postal code were collected, reactions were graded by severity, and other relevant details including specialist assessment were extracted. Multivariate analysis was undertaken using 2011 UK census data. RESULTS Age-, sex- and ethnicity-standardized incidence rate of anaphylaxis was 34.5 per 100 000 person-years. Multivariate logistic regression which controlled for the confounders of age, sex and level of socioeconomic deprivation showed that incidence was higher in the South Asian population (OR 1.48, P = 0.005). Incidence rate in the South Asian population was 58.3 cases per 100 000 person-years compared to 31.5 in the White population. South Asian children were more likely to present with severe anaphylaxis (OR 5.31, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Incidence of anaphylaxis is significantly higher in British South Asians compared to the white population. British South Asian children are at a greater risk of severe anaphylaxis than White children.

Background: British guidelines recommend that serial acute serum tryptase measurements be checked in all adults and a subset of children presenting with anaphylaxis. This is the first study reporting the clinical utility of acute serum tryptase in a “real-world” emergency department (ED) setting following the publication of the World Allergy Organization (WAO) criteria for anaphylaxis. Objectives: To (1) assess sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) of acute serum tryptase in anaphylaxis; (b) determine factors associated with higher acute serum tryptase levels; and (c) audit compliance of acute serum tryptase measurement in the ED. Methods: The methods used were retrospective electronic search for ED admissions to 3 acute care hospitals in Birmingham, UK, with anaphylaxis in 2012 using wide search terms followed by scrutiny of electronic clinical records and application of the WAO diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis. Patients with an acute serum tryptase measurement were included in the analysis. Results: Acute serum tryptase level was measured in 141 of 426 (33.1%) cases. Mean time from the onset of symptoms to the measurement of acute serum tryptase level was 4 hours 42 minutes (SD ± 05:03 hours) and no patients had serial measurements conforming to British guidelines. Acute serum tryptase level of more than 12.4 ng/mL (75th centile) was associated with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 28%, 88%, 0.93, and 0.17, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio, 2.66; P = .003) and hypotension (odds ratio, 7.08; P = .001) predicted higher acute serum tryptase level. Conclusions: An acute serum tryptase level of more than 12.4 ng/mL in an ED setting carries high PPV and specificity, but poor sensitivity and NPV.

BACKGROUND Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute toxin-mediated illness caused by toxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. There is no recent data regarding incidence, management and mortality of TSS in UK children. METHODS Consultants from paediatric and burns units in the UK and Ireland, reported cases of TSS seen between November 2008 and December 2009, via the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit. Respondents were sent questionnaires requesting detailed information about TSS cases. Established criteria were used to divide cases into staphylococcal or streptococcal TSS. RESULTS Forty-nine cases were identified overall; 29 cases of streptococcal TSS (18 confirmed and 11 probable) and 20 cases of staphylococcal TSS (15 confirmed and 5 probable). The incidence of TSS children in the UK & the Republic of Ireland was calculated to be 0.38 per 100 000 children. Children with staphylococcal TSS were older than those with streptococcal TSS (9.5 vs 3.8 years; p

Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency that predisposes to opportunistic pyogenic infections in affected patients. The presentation can be variable, and the microbiological and immunologic management of this condition has been documented; however, the atypical nature of its presentation calls for a different approach in its surgical management. This is the first reported case of transcranial progression of a soft tissue abscess in a patient with IRAK-4 deficiency, with an emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to treat infection at an extremely vulnerable anatomic site.

Primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) are disorders of the immune system that result in increased susceptibility to infectious disease, autoimmunity and malignancy. They are challenging to paediatricians as they can present anytime from birth to adolescence with a wide variety of signs and symptoms. It is important to diagnose PIDs promptly, especially more severe forms to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. However, significant challenges exist in deciding which children to investigate and when. We aim to give a basic understanding of the human immune system, the different presentations in a child that should alert a paediatrician about the possibility of PID and the possible underlying diagnosis. Additionally, we have developed a framework for a stepwise approach to investigating these children.

Summary This report summarizes the establishment of the first national online registry of primary immune deficency in the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom Primary Immunodeficiency (UKPID Registry). This UKPID Registry is based on the European Society for Immune Deficiency (ESID) registry platform, hosted on servers at the Royal Free site of University College, London. It is accessible to users through the website of the United Kingdom Primary Immunodeficiency Network (http://www.ukpin.org.uk). Twenty-seven centres in the United Kingdom are actively contributing data, with an additional nine centres completing their ethical and governance approvals to participate. This indicates that 36 of 38 (95%) of recognized centres in the United Kingdom have engaged with this project. To date, 2229 patients have been enrolled, with a notable increasing rate of recruitment in the past 12 months. Data are presented on the range of diagnoses recorded, estimated minimum disease prevalence, geographical distribution of patients across the United Kingdom, age at presentation, diagnostic delay, treatment modalities used and evidence of their monitoring and effectiveness.

Summary Hereditary angioedema (HAE) and acquired angioedema (AAE) are rare life-threatening conditions caused by deficiency of C1 inhibitor (C1INH). Both are characterized by recurrent unpredictable episodes of mucosal swelling involving three main areas: the skin, gastrointestinal tract and larynx. Swelling in the gastrointestinal tract results in abdominal pain and vomiting, while swelling in the larynx may be fatal. There are limited UK data on these patients to help improve practice and understand more clearly the burden of disease. An audit tool was designed, informed by the published UK consensus document and clinical practice, and sent to clinicians involved in the care of HAE patients through a number of national organizations. Data sets on 376 patients were received from 14 centres in England, Scotland and Wales. There were 55 deaths from HAE in 33 families, emphasizing the potentially lethal nature of this disease. These data also show that there is a significant diagnostic delay of on average 10 years for type I HAE, 18 years for type II HAE and 5 years for AAE. For HAE the average annual frequency of swellings per patient affecting the periphery was eight, abdomen 5 and airway 0·5, with wide individual variation. The impact on quality of life was rated as moderate or severe by 37% of adult patients. The audit has helped to define the burden of disease in the UK and has aided planning new treatments for UK patients.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) describes a group of rare genetic disorders characterised by deficient or absent T cell immunity, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 50 000 to 1 in 500 000.1 SCID is considered a paediatric emergency, but early clues, such as lymphopenia, are often not noted.2 As a result, the UK Primary Immunodeficiency Network (UK PIN) recommends that children under 2 years of age with an absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) below 3000/μl must be screened for SCID.3 A …

RATIONALE: Little is known about anaphylaxis in the non-white population (NWP). Birmingham is the second largest city in UK with an ethnically diverse population; 42% are ‘non-white’ as opposed to an overall proportion of 15% in England. East Birmingham is a relatively deprived area with a high density of NWP (50%). METHODS: We retrospectively applied the World Allergy Organisation (WAO) diagnostic criteria to patients admitted to our emergency department in 2012. RESULTS: Annual incidence of anaphylaxis in this population is approximately 8.8 per 10000. 220 attendances fulfilled the WAO criteria, mean age 32.5 (6 22.4 SD). 53 (24%) were

Background Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID/CID) is a primary immune deficiency and usually has severe defect in both T- & B-lymphocyte systems. This usually results in onset of one or more serious infections within first few months of life. Aim Review all cases presented or referred to our immunology department in the past 8 years with suspected immune deficiency. Methods Case notes, correspondence and results were reviewed for all children diagnosed with SCID/CID at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital in last 7 years. Results A total of 19 patients were reviewed: 10 males and 9 females were identified. All were born at term and had no antenatal diagnosis of SCID. 9 were born to consanguineous parents and 9 had family history of immunodeficiency. The initial age at presentation varied from 1 day to 24 months. The age at final diagnosis was 2 days to 5 years. Symptoms at presentation included chest infections, diarrhoea, failure to thrive, skin infections and complicated medical problems. 11 were referred to our department for paediatric immunological opinion from other hospitals. 18 of these children were referred for bone marrow transplant to Great Ormond Street Hospital, London or Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals and 10 have been transplanted to date. 3 are awaiting a donor. One is currently receiving gene therapy and 1 awaiting thymus transplant. 6 of these children did not survive (3 died post transplant and 3 while awaiting transplant) and rest are still under follow up. Conclusions SCID / CID is a relatively common condition in West Midlands. Presentation of infants with SCID is variable and needs to be considered. Universal screening of Guthrie card heel pricks for T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) would allow patients to be identified sooner and hopefully improve survival rates.

Background Central nervous system tuberculosis in children accounts for 2.2% of tuberculosis in England and Wales at presentation. Suprasellar tubercular abscess is extremely rare, especially in children, with only a few cases reported worldwide. Case report A 15 year old, previously well, Somalian boy presented with 4 week history of intermittent nocturnal fever and sore throat. He had moved from Somalia to the UK 4 months prior to presentation. His clinical examination, chest x-ray and initial blood tests were unremarkable. The following day, he was noted to be confused and had multiple, brief generalised tonic clonic seizures. He was intubated for airway protection and urgent CT scan of head showed multiple, multilocular ring enhancing lesions extending from suprasellar cistern into the hypothalamus. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed 102 white cells (97 lymphocytes), 2.79 g/l protein, but no organisms on gram and acid fast staining. Clinical diagnosis of tuberculous abscess was made. Quadruple anti-tuberculous medications and prednisolone were commenced. Subsequently, his mantoux test was strongly positive. Smears from gastric washings and endotracheal aspirates were negative for acid fast bacilli and culture results are awaited. He was monitored on intensive care where he was noted to have polyuria. For further management he was transferred to regional neurosurgical unit where he was managed conservatively, although, persisted to have polyuria and polydipsia. Investigations revealed hypernatraemia (151 mmol/l) with low urine osmolality (307 mOsm/l) suggesting diabetes insipidus. Further endocrine investigations confirmed panhypopituitarism. He was started on oral thyroxine, DDAVP, hydrocortisone and monthly intramuscular injections of testosterone. He is making good clinical progress. His MRI scan 6 weeks after initial diagnosis revealed no change in the tuberculoma with no new tuberculomas or hydrocephalus. Conclusion Suprasellar tubercular abscess is extremely rare form of tuberculosis in children. It can be associated with significant endocrine abnormalities, which require high index of clinical suspicion and prompt investigations.

Background and aims A UK-wide study of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) cases in UK children under 16 years of age was undertaken beginning November 2008 until the end of November 2009. Little data regarding incidence, management and outcomes has been published about children with TSS. Previous literature suggested staphylococcal TSS to have a significantly greater incidence than streptococcal TSS. Methods Consultants from paediatric and burns units notified the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit of cases. Questionnaires requesting detailed information on case presentation and progression were sent to notifying consultants. TSS cases were identified as staphylococcal or streptococcal if they met the established criteria used by the US Centre for Disease Control and American Academy of Paediatrics respectively. Results 50 confirmed and probable cases were identified. 15 were confirmed and 5 probable staphylococcal cases; 18 were confirmed and 12 probable streptococcal cases. There were nine deaths, all from the confirmed or probable streptococcal groups. Mortality was 18% overall but 30% of the streptococcal cases. Four were reported to have residual morbidity. 78% (n=39) received treatment in paediatric intensive care facilities. 70% (n=35) required invasive ventilatory support, 68% (n=34) inotropic support and12% (n=6) haemofiltration. All patients received antibiotics, with two thirds (n=33) receiving clindamycin and only two receiving linezolid. 20% (n=10) received immunoglobulin and 40% (n=20) fresh frozen plasma. Conclusions This study demonstrates streptococcal TSS to have a higher incidence than staphylococcal TSS, in contrast to previous literature. This finding is in keeping with the increasing incidence of other types of invasive streptococcal disease. A significantly higher mortality was seen with streptococcal TSS indicating it may be a more virulent disease than staphylococcal TSS. Intensive care support facilities were required in three-fourth of patients. It was noted that proven antitoxin therapies which have been shown to reduce toxin production, such as clindamycin and linezolid, appeared to be underused. This study highlights the need for education on patho-aetiology and management of TSS.