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Purpose: Autosomal Dominant Hyper IgE Recurrent Infection Syndrome (AD-HIES) is caused by mutations in STAT3 and characterized by eczema, recurrent bacterial infections, and skeletal and connective tissue abnormalities. To further understand the minimal trauma fractures of AD-HIES, we examined bone mineral density (BMD) and laboratory markers of bone turnover., Methods: Patients with AD-HIES enrolled in a prospective natural history study were examined with dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans and laboratory studies of bone metabolism. The number of fractures was recorded as well as clinical features of AD-HIES including scoliosis and retained primary teeth. Patients on medications with skeletal effects, including bisphosphonates, were examined separately., Results: Twenty-three AD-HIES children (6-18 years) and 33 AD-HIES adults (21-50 years) not receiving bone-active drugs were studied. Fourteen of the 23 children (61%) had histories of minimal trauma fractures, as did 26 of the 33 adults (79%). Osteopenia or osteoporosis was found in 79% of children and adults. Only radial BMD correlated with the qualitative occurrence of fractures but it did not correlate with the numbers of fractures. Markers of bone metabolism did not correlate with minimal trauma fractures or BMD. Patients on bone-active medications had improved BMD, but still sustained fractures., Conclusions: Minimal trauma fractures and decreased BMD are common in AD-HIES. Low radial BMD is associated with fractures, but hip and spine BMD are not. Treatment with bisphosphonates increased BMD but its role in fracture prevention remains undefined.

Purpose: Autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome (AD-HIES) due to heterozygous STAT3 mutation is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by eczema, elevated serum IgE, recurrent infections, and connective tissue and skeletal findings. Healing of pneumonias is often abnormal with formation of pneumatoceles and bronchiectasis. We aimed to explore whether healing after lung surgery is also aberrant., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 32 patients with AD-HIES who received lung surgery for the management of pulmonary infections from 1960 to 2011. We collected information including patient demographics, STAT3 mutation status, clinical history, surgical and medical procedures performed, complications, related medical treatments, and outcomes., Results: More than 50% of lung surgeries had associated complications, with the majority being prolonged bronchopleural fistulae. These fistulae often led to empyemas that necessitated additional interventions including prolonged antibiotics, prolonged thoracostomy tube drainage and re-operations., Conclusion: Lung surgery in AD-HIES patients is associated with high complication rates. STAT3 mutations likely lead to abnormalities in tissue remodelling that are further exacerbated by infection.

Background: Autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome (AD-HIES) is caused by mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). We describe 2 subjects in whom somatic mosaicism was associated with intermediate phenotypes., Objective: Somatic mosaics might shed light on the pathogenesis of dominant STAT3 mutations and the mechanisms behind the immunologic and nonimmunologic features of the disease., Methods: Clinical evaluations were conducted. Mutant STAT3 was amplified from different tissues and sequenced, and the percentage of mosaicism in various cell types was calculated. Flow cytometry was performed to determine percentages of IL-17(+) cells, IL-22(+) cells, or both. Suction blisters were induced in 1 subject, and exudate fluid was analyzed for whether emigrating neutrophils were STAT3 mutant or wild-type; neutrophils from peripheral blood were simultaneously examined., Results: The 2 subjects with STAT3 somatic mosaicism had intermediate phenotypes and were found to have preserved TH17 cell compartments and apparently normal CD8 cells. However, they still had infections, including mucocutaneous candidiasis. The percentage of STAT3 mutant neutrophils migrating into blisters at 16 hours was the same as in peripheral blood, suggesting normal chemotaxis., Conclusion: STAT3 mosaicism accounts for a milder phenotype and allows for further investigation into the pathogenesis of AD-HIES. Despite having a preserved TH17 cell compartment, both subjects with mosaicism had chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, suggesting that candidiasis in subjects with AD-HIES is not driven solely by low TH17 cell numbers. The percentage of STAT3 mutant neutrophils emigrating into a suction blister at 16 hours was the same as the percentage in peripheral blood, suggesting that early chemotaxis of STAT3 neutrophils is normal in vivo., (Published by Mosby, Inc.)

Background: Mutations in the dedicator of cytokinesis 8 gene (DOCK8) cause a combined primary immunodeficiency syndrome that is characterized by elevated serum IgE levels, depressed IgM levels, eosinophilia, sinopulmonary infections, cutaneous viral infections, and lymphopenia. Many patients with DOCK8 deficiency were previously thought to have a variant of Job's syndrome. Distinguishing between DOCK8 deficiency and Job's syndrome, also referred to as autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome, on the basis of clinical findings alone is challenging. The discovery of the DOCK8 mutation has made it possible to differentiate the cutaneous manifestations of these hyper-IgE syndromes., Observations: Twenty-one patients from 14 families with confirmed homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in DOCK8 were evaluated. Clinical findings included dermatitis, asthma, food and environmental allergies, recurrent sinopulmonary infections, staphylococcal skin abscesses, and severe cutaneous viral infections. Malignant neoplasms, including aggressive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, anal and vulvar squamous cell carcinomas, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, developed in 5 patients during adolescence and young adulthood., Conclusions: DOCK8 deficiency and Job's syndrome share several clinical features, including elevated serum IgE levels, dermatitis, recurrent sinopulmonary infections, and cutaneous staphylococcal abscesses. However, the presence of recalcitrant, widespread cutaneous viral infections, asthma, and food and environmental allergies, as well as the absence of newborn rash and coarse facies, favors the clinical diagnosis of DOCK8 deficiency. Rates of malignancy and overall mortality in patients with DOCK8 deficiency were higher than in those with Job's syndrome, highlighting the value of distinguishing between these conditions and the importance of close monitoring for neoplasia.

Objective: Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by autosomal dominant STAT3 mutations resulting in recurrent infections and connective tissue abnormalities. Coronary artery abnormalities have been reported infrequently. We aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of coronary artery abnormalities., Design: STAT3-mutated HIES patients (n=38), ranging in age from 8 to 57 years, underwent coronary artery imaging by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Images were evaluated for tortuosity, dilation, and aneurysm. Charts were reviewed for cardiac risk factors. To allow blinded image interpretation, an age- and gender-matched non-HIES group was also evaluated (n=33)., Results: Coronary artery tortuosity or dilation occurred in 70% of HIES patients, with aneurysms present in 37%, incidences much higher than in the literature and in our non-HIES group, in which 21% had tortuosity or dilation and 3% had aneurysms. Hypertension was more common in the HIES group than in the general population and was associated with vessel abnormalities. Atherosclerosis was uncommon and mild., Conclusions: Coronary artery aneurysms and tortuosity are common in HIES, despite a paucity of atherosclerosis, suggesting that STAT3 plays an integral role in human vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis.

Autosomal dominant HIES (AD-HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by dominant negative mutations in STAT3 clustered in the DNA binding and SH2 domains. Although in vitro differences in mutational constructs are observed, clinical phenotypic correlates of these genetic changes have not been described. We reviewed the charts of 65 AD-HIES patients (DNA binding n=35; SH2 n=30), recorded the components of the NIH HIES clinical scoring system as well as brain and coronary artery abnormalities and analyzed data by mutation region in adults and children. Patients with SH2 domain mutations had increased frequency of high palate, broad inter-alar distance, upper respiratory tract infections and, in the pediatric sub-group, significant scoliosis. There was suggestion of increased mortality for patients with DNA binding mutations. Although subtle differences in phenotype were observed to depend on the STAT3 genotype, overall the clinical phenotypes were similar between individuals with DNA binding and SH2 domain mutations., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by infections of the lung and skin, elevated serum IgE, and involvement of the soft and bony tissues. Recently, HIES has been associated with heterozygous dominant-negative mutations in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and severe reductions of T(H)17 cells., Objective: To determine whether there is a correlation between the genotype and the phenotype of patients with HIES and to establish diagnostic criteria to distinguish between STAT3 mutated and STAT3 wild-type patients., Methods: We collected clinical data, determined T(H)17 cell numbers, and sequenced STAT3 in 100 patients with a strong clinical suspicion of HIES and serum IgE >1000 IU/mL. We explored diagnostic criteria by using a machine-learning approach to identify which features best predict a STAT3 mutation., Results: In 64 patients, we identified 31 different STAT3 mutations, 18 of which were novel. These included mutations at splice sites and outside the previously implicated DNA-binding and Src homology 2 domains. A combination of 5 clinical features predicted STAT3 mutations with 85% accuracy. T(H)17 cells were profoundly reduced in patients harboring STAT3 mutations, whereas 10 of 13 patients without mutations had low (<1%) T(H)17 cells but were distinct by markedly reduced IFN-gamma-producing CD4(+)T cells., Conclusion: We propose the following diagnostic guidelines for STAT3-deficient HIES. Possible: IgE >1000IU/mL plus a weighted score of clinical features >30 based on recurrent pneumonia, newborn rash, pathologic bone fractures, characteristic face, and high palate. Probable: These characteristics plus lack of T(H)17 cells or a family history for definitive HIES. Definitive: These characteristics plus a dominant-negative heterozygous mutation in STAT3., (Copyright 2010 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES, 'Job's syndrome') is characterized by recurrent and often severe pulmonary infections, pneumatoceles, eczema, staphylococcal abscesses, mucocutaneous candidiasis, and abnormalities of bone and connective tissue. Mutations presumed to underlie HIES have recently been identified in stat3, the gene encoding STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) (refs 3, 4). Although impaired production of interferon-gamma and tumour-necrosis factor by T cells, diminished memory T-cell populations, decreased delayed-type-hypersensitivity responses and decreased in vitro lymphoproliferation in response to specific antigens have variably been described, specific immunological abnormalities that can explain the unique susceptibility to particular infections seen in HIES have not yet been defined. Here we show that interleukin (IL)-17 production by T cells is absent in HIES individuals. We observed that ex vivo T cells from subjects with HIES failed to produce IL-17, but not IL-2, tumour-necrosis factor or interferon-gamma, on mitogenic stimulation with staphylococcal enterotoxin B or on antigenic stimulation with Candida albicans or streptokinase. Purified naive T cells were unable to differentiate into IL-17-producing (T(H)17) T helper cells in vitro and had lower expression of retinoid-related orphan receptor (ROR)-gammat, which is consistent with a crucial role for STAT3 signalling in the generation of T(H)17 cells. T(H)17 cells have emerged as an important subset of helper T cells that are believed to be critical in the clearance of fungal and extracellular bacterial infections. Thus, our data suggest that the inability to produce T(H)17 cells is a mechanism underlying the susceptibility to the recurrent infections commonly seen in HIES.

Background: The hyper-IgE syndrome (or Job's syndrome) is a rare disorder of immunity and connective tissue characterized by dermatitis, boils, cyst-forming pneumonias, elevated serum IgE levels, retained primary dentition, and bone abnormalities. Inheritance is autosomal dominant; sporadic cases are also found., Methods: We collected longitudinal clinical data on patients with the hyper-IgE syndrome and their families and assayed the levels of cytokines secreted by stimulated leukocytes and the gene expression in resting and stimulated cells. These data implicated the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 gene (STAT3) as a candidate gene, which we then sequenced., Results: We found increased levels of proinflammatory gene transcripts in unstimulated peripheral-blood neutrophils and mononuclear cells from patients with the hyper-IgE syndrome, as compared with levels in control cells. In vitro cultures of mononuclear cells from patients that were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, with or without interferon-gamma, had higher tumor necrosis factor alpha levels than did identically treated cells from unaffected persons (P=0.003). In contrast, the cells from patients with the hyper-IgE syndrome generated lower levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in response to the presence of interleukin-6 (P=0.03), suggesting a defect in interleukin-6 signaling through its downstream mediators, one of which is STAT3. We identified missense mutations and single-codon in-frame deletions in STAT3 in 50 familial and sporadic cases of the hyper-IgE syndrome. Eighteen discrete mutations, five of which were hot spots, were predicted to directly affect the DNA-binding and SRC homology 2 (SH2) domains., Conclusions: Mutations in STAT3 underlie sporadic and dominant forms of the hyper-IgE syndrome, an immunodeficiency syndrome involving increased innate immune response, recurrent infections, and complex somatic features., (Copyright 2007 Massachusetts Medical Society.)

Background: Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is characterized by recurrent pyogenic infections, eczema, increased serum IgE levels, and a variety of connective tissue and skeletal system abnormalities. Little has been published regarding the causes of death in these patients or pathologic findings., Objective: To identify the cause of death in patients with HIES and to describe pathologic findings in fatal HIES., Methods: We reviewed the medical records and autopsy slides of 6 patients with HIES with autopsies performed at our institution., Results: All 6 patients with HIES were women and ranged in age from 24 to 40 years. All patients had a history of cystic lung disease and had pneumonia at the time of death, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungal organisms predominating. Pulmonary fungal vascular invasion with fatal hemorrhage was observed in 3 patients, and metastatic fungal disease to the brain was observed in 2 patients caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and Scedosporium prolificans. Four patients had evidence of renal tubular injury, which was likely from amphotericin B toxicity; 3 patients had glomerulosclerosis; and 1 patient had 2 kidney angiomyolipomas., Conclusions: Our series highlights the important role Pseudomonas and Aspergillus species play in patients with HIES with cystic lung disease. Intensified antifungal and gram-negative bacterial prophylaxis need evaluation as possible strategies to prevent these infectious complications in patients with cystic lung disease., Clinical Implications: Fungal and Pseudomonas infection of cystic lung disease in HIES may be life threatening, and the proper management and prevention of these infections need continued investigation.

Objectives: Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome is a multisystem disorder with abnormalities of the immunologic, connective tissue, and skeletal tissue systems. Central nervous system abnormalities have not been considered a feature of hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome. We aimed to determine whether central nervous system abnormalities detected on brain MRI exist in hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome and to characterize any identified abnormalities., Patients and Methods: Fifty patients aged from 3 to 52 years (mean: 24 years) with established diagnoses of hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome had MRI of the brain as part of an hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome natural history protocol. Abnormalities were described, measured, counted, and mapped. Patient charts were reviewed for neurologic findings and blood pressure measurements., Results: Focal brain lesions exhibiting high signal intensities on flow-attenuated inversion recovery and on T2-weighted techniques were found in 35 of the 50 patients. The focal hyperintensities were predominantly in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres, and the number ranged from 2 to >50. The hyperintensities occurred more frequently in adults than in children, and no association with elevated blood pressure was found. Five patients had lacunar infarctions. Chiari type 1 malformations were found in 9 of 50 patients. Two patients had infectious complications presenting on MRI as cerebritis in 1 patient and as a hemorrhagic infarct in the other; both were found on autopsy to be fungal. Neurologic abnormalities were present in 1 patient with a lacunar infarction, the 2 patients with infectious complications, and in 1 patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to a berry aneurysm., Conclusions: Central nervous system abnormalities are common in hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome. Focal T2 hyperintensities, not appreciated previously, represent a prominent feature of this rare disease that may assist in diagnosis. The etiology and clinical implications of these abnormalities remain to be investigated.

The hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent pyogenic skin and lung abscesses, dermatitis, and elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels. Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly Pneumocystis carinii) is not typically associated with hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome. We identified 7 patients with hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome with P. jiroveci detected in respiratory or pulmonary pathology specimens. In 5 patients it was the sole pathogen, and in 2 other patients it contributed to a polymicrobial etiology. No consistent prophylaxis was given, and there have been no recurrences on long-term follow-up. Our experience suggests that P. jiroveci can cause pneumonia in patients with hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome both with and without chronic lung disease.

Objective: To characterize the dermatitis, the newborn rash, and cutaneous findings in hyper-IgE syndrome, also known as Job's syndrome., Design: Prospective and retrospective evaluation and treatment of cutaneous manifestations in patients with a clinical diagnosis of hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES). Analysis of the newborn rash encountered in this population., Setting: Dermatology clinic at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., Patients: Forty-three patients seen in our clinic between January 1998 and August 2003 who had a clinical diagnosis of HIES., Interventions: The UK Working Party's Diagnostic Criteria for Atopic Dermatitis were used to assess for atopic dermatitis in this population. To assess the newborn rash, we performed a retrospective chart review and an in-person or telephone interview of the parent or caregiver of each patient., Results: Twenty-eight (65%) of 43 patients fulfilled the criteria for atopic dermatitis. Thirty-five (81%) of 43 patients reported a newborn rash. Eight (19%) of 43 were born with the rash; 23 (53%) of 43 had acquired the rash within 7 days; 32 (74%) of 43 within 14 days; 34 (79%) of 43 within 30 days; and 35 (81%) of 43 had the rash within 35 days of birth., Conclusions: The dermatitis in HIES resembles classic atopic dermatitis but may have distinctive features. A newborn rash is almost always a presenting sign of HIES. After the newborn period, skin findings include retroauricular fissures, external otitis, infected dermatitis of the axillae and groin, folliculitis of the upper back and shoulders, cutaneous abscesses, mucocutaneous candidiasis, and in some patients pitted scarring of the face.

Objective: The autosomal-dominant form of the hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (AD-HIES) has been described as a multisystem disorder including immune, skeletal, and dental abnormalities. Variants of AD-HIES are known but not well defined., Methods: We evaluated 13 human immunodeficiency virus-seronegative patients from six consanguineous families with an autosomal-recessive form of hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (AR-HIES) and 68 of their relatives., Results: Persons affected with AR-HIES presented with the classical immunologic findings of hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome, including recurrent staphylococcal infections of the skin and respiratory tract, eczema, elevated serum immunoglobulin E, and hypereosinophilia. In addition, severe recurrent fungal and viral infections with molluscum contagiosum, herpes zoster, and herpes simplex were noted. Autoimmunity was seen in two patients. Central nervous system sequelae, including hemiplegia, ischemic infarction, and subarachnoid hemorrhages, were common and contributed to high mortality. Notably, patients with AR-HIES did not have skeletal or dental abnormalities and did not develop pneumatoceles, as seen in AD-HIES. In lymphocyte proliferation assays, patients' cells responded poorly to mitogens and failed to proliferate in response to antigens, despite the presence of normal numbers of lymphocyte subpopulations., Conclusion: The autosomal-recessive form of hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency with elevated immunoglobulin E, eosinophilia, vasculitis, autoimmunity, central nervous system symptoms, and high mortality. AR-HIES lacks several of the key findings of AD-HIES and therefore represents a different, previously unrecognized disease entity.