About Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency

What is Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency?

Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that affects the immune system. It is caused by mutations in the CARD11 gene, which is responsible for the production of a protein that helps regulate the activity of certain immune cells. People with this disorder have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Treatment typically involves a bone marrow transplant to restore the immune system.

What are the symptoms of Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency?

The symptoms of Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency can vary from person to person, but may include:

-Recurrent infections, such as pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections
-Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
-Skin rashes
-Failure to thrive
-Frequent fevers
-Lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes)
-Liver and spleen enlargement
-Anemia
-Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
-Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
-Recurrent viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus

What are the causes of Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency?

Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency is caused by mutations in the CARD11 gene. These mutations can be inherited from a parent or can occur spontaneously. The CARD11 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in signaling pathways that help control the activity of certain immune system cells. Mutations in the CARD11 gene disrupt these pathways, leading to a severe deficiency in the body's ability to fight off infections.

What are the treatments for Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency?

The primary treatment for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT is a procedure in which healthy stem cells are transplanted into the patient to replace the defective stem cells. This procedure can restore the patient's immune system and allow them to produce healthy immune cells. Other treatments may include gene therapy, enzyme replacement therapy, and immunoglobulin replacement therapy.

What are the risk factors for Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency?

1. Genetic mutation: Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency is caused by a mutation in the CARD11 gene.

2. Family history: Individuals with a family history of Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency are at an increased risk of developing the condition.

3. Ethnicity: Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency is more common in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

4. Age: Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency is more common in infants and young children.

Is there a cure/medications for Severe combined immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency?

At this time, there is no cure for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency due to CARD11 deficiency. However, there are treatments available to help manage the condition. These include bone marrow transplantation, gene therapy, and immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Additionally, medications such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and azathioprine may be used to help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.