Ataxia-telangiectasia in Iran: clinical and laboratory features of 104 patients

Pediatr Neurol. 2007 Jul;37(1):21-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2007.03.002.

Abstract

Ataxia-telangiectasia is a multisystem disorder characterized by progressive neurologic impairment, variable immunodeficiency, impaired organ maturation, x-ray hypersensitivity, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, and a predisposition to malignancy. To evaluate clinical and immunologic features of Iranian patients with ataxia-telangiectasia, the records of 104 patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (54 male, 50 female) with the age range of 1.6-23.5 years were reviewed. The Iranian Primary Immunodeficiency Registry was used as the data source. Progressive ataxia was seen in all the patients. Other symptoms were eye movement disorders (n = 84), slurred speech (n = 70), mental retardation (n = 10), and ocular (n = 87) and cutaneous (n = 73) telangiectasia. Three patients developed leukemia and lymphoma, and 17 patients had family history of malignancy. Positive correlation was seen between clinical immunologic symptoms and immunoglobulin deficiencies (P = 0.004). The predominant infections were sinopulmonary and acute and recurrent infections (78 cases). Infections included pneumonia (56 patients), otitis media (34 patients), and sinusitis (50 patients). Average serum alpha-fetoprotein level was 149 +/- 137 ng/dL. The incidence of ataxia-telangiectasia in Iran is high, possibly due to familial marriages. Treatment should be focused on supportive management to prolong survival.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia / diagnosis*
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia / epidemiology*
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia / physiopathology
  • CD4 Antigens / blood
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Consanguinity
  • Female
  • Fixation, Ocular / physiology
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Infant
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Motor Skills Disorders / epidemiology
  • T-Lymphocytes

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M