Case Report May-August, 2011/Vol 31/Issue 2
May-August, 2011/Vol 31/Issue 2 -146- J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc.
Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome, often Missed: A Case Report and
Review
Kumar MK1, Narayan R2
1Dr. Mani Kant Kumar, MBBS, MD. Assistant Professor, 2 Dr. Raghvendra Narayan, MBBS, MD. Associate Professor.
Both from the Department of Paediatrics, Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Jamuhar, Sasaram, Bihar, India.
Address for Correspondence: Dr. Mani Kant Kumar,

Abstract

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, eczema
and recurrent infections. We report a 15 month old boy who had presented with lower gastrointestinal
bleed, recurrent infections and eczema. Blood picture revealed microthrombocytopenia, high IgA and
IgE, and low IgM and Normal IgG levels. A diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome was made, which was
missed by many paediatrician even after prolonged hospital stay before admission in our Institute. The
recent progress in understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment are discussed.
Key words: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, Eczema, Microthrombocytopenia


Introduction
Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by a triad of thrombocytopenia with decreased mean platelet volume, eczema, and increased susceptibility to pyogenic and opportunistic infections1. Immunologically, there is poor antibody response to polysaccharide antigens, progressive decrease in T cell number and function, and a characteristic immunoglobulin profi le refl ected in low IgM, elevated /normal IgA, elevated IgE and normal/ low IgG levels2.

The rapid destruction of abnormally shaped platelets is the primary cause for severe thrombocytopenia in WAS patients3. The immunodefi ciency in WAS is primarily associated with T- and B-lymphocyte dysfunction. The protein encoded by the WAS gene (WASP) is a hematopoietic specifi c regulator of actin nucleation in response to signals arising at the cell membrane4. Mutations impairing but not abolishing WASP expression can cause X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) and is considered an attenuated form of WAS because it is
characterized by low platelet counts with minimal or no immunodefi ciency5.

Purpose of reporting this case to increase awareness among paediatrician of developing countries regarding high index of suscpicion and to think other possibilities if any patient not improving to the exetent expected inspite of adequate treatment. Here we are reporting a case with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome from Bihar, India and recent progress in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and treatment are discussed.


Case Report

A 15-month-old boy, born by spontaneous vaginal delivery of a non-consanguineous marriage presented with second episode of bleeding per rectum. There was no history of decreased urine output, no abdominal pain, no swelling over body, no family history of similar illness
in family. There was history suggestive of recurrent sinopulmonary and soft tissue infections, eczematoid rashes which was started form scalp and gradually progressed to all over body since early infancy which was treated by many paediatricians. First episode of bleeding per rectum occurred 2 months back, during fi rst episode initially treated by a paediatrician as case of dysentery but no improvement in the bleeding then he referred this case to another hospital, where he was diagnosed as case of Hemolytic Uremic syndrome. Patient was hospitalized for 40 days and managed with 6 times fresh whole blood transfusion, broad spectrum antimicrobials and was discharged on request when J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. -147- May-August, 2011/Vol 31/Issue 2 asymptomatic for 5 days. After 15 days of discharge
patient again developed bleeding per rectum then brought to our institute. Investigation during fi rst episode revealed Hemoglobin 7.5 gm/dl, TLC 12400/cmm, DLCP 58, L40, E02, Platelet count 20,000/cmm, general blood picture (GBP) - microcytic hypochromic anemia, no
fragmented RBC, Tiny platelets, no immature cell, blood urea 18mg/dl, Creatinine 0.6 mg/dl, urine was normal normal on routine examination and microscopy, inspite of 6 times fresh whole blood transfusion predischarged platelet count was 36,000/cmm.

On admission in our hospital he was afebrile, alert and active. He had mild pallor pulse rate 92 per minute, respiratory rate of 32 per minute, weight 5.5 kg (less than 3rd centile), length 70 cm (less than 3rd centile), sparse hair and eczematoid rash over the scalp, neck, skin folds of upper and lower limbs. His head circumference was 43 cm (normal for age) and chest circumference 41 cm. There were no congenital malformations. Respiratory, cardiovascular and central nervous system were within normal limits while the liver was palpable 1
cm below the costal margin. Laboratory investigations revealed hemoglobin (Hb) of 9.6gm/dl, total leukocyte count 11,800/cumm and platelet count 25,000/cumm. PT (Prothrombin time) was 13 seconds and aPTT was 31 seconds. General blood picture revealed normocytic
hypochromic with microthrombocytopenia. Blood urea was 16mg/dl and creatinine was0.6mg/dl and Urine was normal on routine examination and microscopy, urine culture was sterile. Immunoglobulin profi le showed high IgA (179mg/dl, normal less than 83 mg/dl for age ), low IgM (95mg/dl, normal >145 mg/dl), High IgE (1560unit/ ml normal 1.4- 52.3 unit/ml for age) and normal IgG (1378 mg/dl), HIV serology was negative.

Patients was managed with oral antimicrobials, multivitamins, one time@ 20ml/kg fresh whole blood transfusions(because platelets concentrates not available in our blood bank) and IV immunoglobulin at rate 400mg/kg, he improved gradually, and pre discharged platelets count was 55,000/cumm. Parents were counselled regarding available treatments options and after 7 days of hospital stay he was dischared on Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, multivitamins & iron supplementation, emmoliants as advised by dermatologist with advice of monthly IV Ig replacement therapy. He was on regular monthly Immunoglobulin replacement therapy in follow up and doing well, and
has gained weight 2 kg over past 5 months.


Discussion


The present case demonstrated characteristic clinical triad of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome-intermittent bleeding because of thrombocytopenia, progressive eczema since early infancy and recurrent sinopulmonary bacterial infections. Immunoglobulin profi le showed high IgA, low IgM, High IgE and normal IgG. Small platelets size and low platelets count clinched the diagnosis in favour of Wiskott - Aldrich syndrome. At a later age when T cell functions are affected, opportunistic infections may occur. Children who survive the fi rst 8-10 years are at risk for the development of lymphoid malignancies. The diagnosis of Wiscott Aldrich Syndrome is based on the demonstration of increased serum IgA and IgE and decreased serum IgM levels, absence of isohemagglutinins, and poor anti-body response to polysaccharide antigens in males with characteristic constellation of clinical features2. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a complex and severe X-linked disorder characterized by microthrombocytopenia, eczema, immunodefi ciency, and increased risk in developing
autoimmunity and lymphomas.

WAS affects 1 to 10 of every 1 million male newborns and their life expectancy is approximately 15 years. The protein encoded by the WAS gene (WASP) is a hematopoietic specifi c regulator of actin nucleation in response to signals arising at the cell membrane4,5.
Among clinical manifestations, hemorrhages are frequent (80% incidence) in WAS and range from non– life-threatening (epistaxis, petechiae, purpura, oral bleeding) to severe manifestations, such as intestinal and intracranial bleeding. Death of WAS patients
is caused, in 21% of the cases, by haemorrhages6. Bleeding is the result of severe thrombocytopenia with reduced platelet size, which is the most common fi nding in WAS and XLT patients (100% incidence). Thrombocytopenia occurs irrespectively of the severity
of the mutation and is possibly caused by instability of mutated WASP in platelets7. Despite intensive research, the mechanisms underlying WASP related thrombocytopenia and hemorrhages are not completely understood. Megakaryocyte numbers have been
reported to be normal in the majority of WAS patients, whereas proplatelet formation depending on actin polymerization and formation of branching structures is conserved when tested in in vitro and ex vivo cultures8. Peripheral destruction of platelets in the spleen is thought
to play an important role in thrombocytopenia because a substantial correction of the platelet count and size after splenectomy has been reported. The accelerated destruction could be caused by an intrinsic defect of WASP-defi cient platelets, showing an increased surface
exposure of phosphatidylserine, or could be mediated by autoimmune reaction because of the presence of antiplatelet antibodies reported in patients and in the murine knockout model9. May-August, 2011/Vol 31/Issue 2 -148- J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. The typical skin lesions in WAS patients resemble acute or chronic eczema in appearance and distribution. Eczema develops in 80% of the patients6
and is heterogeneous in severity and persistence. The causes of eczema in WAS patients are currently unknown. WAS patients often have elevated IgE levels and develop allergies therefore suggesting an atopic origin10. Recently, an imbalance in cytokine production toward the Th2 type has been described in WAS patient’s T-cell lines and might contribute to the pathogenesis of eczema and allergy11. WAS-associated autoimmune complications are frequently observed. The incidence of autoimmunity in classic WAS is high in the US and European populations (40%-72%), whereas a lower incidence was reported in Japan (22%)6,10,12. The most common manifestations are autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cutaneous vasculitis, arthritis, and nephropathy. Less common autoimmune manifestations include infl ammatory bowel disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and neutropenia. Patients frequently have multiple autoimmune
manifestation at the same time. Development of autoimmunity have a poor prognosis12. Until now, the mechanisms of WAS-associated autoimmunity have not been clarifi ed. It has been proposed that autoimmunity could be the result of a bystander tissue damage
originating from the chronic infl ammatory state that is established after incomplete pathogen clearance13. Moreover, autoimmunity is associated with a higher risk of a later development of tumors and an increased risk of mortality6. Two distinct surveys report a tumor
incidence of 13%6 and 22%10 in WAS patients. Tumors can arise during childhood (especially myelodysplasia) but are more frequent in adolescents and young adults. WAS-associated tumors are mainly lymphoreticular malignancies, with leukemia, myelodysplasia, and
lymphoma (often Epstein-Barr virus [EBV]–positive) resulting in up to 90% of the cases. WAS-associated malignancies have a poor prognosis because less than 5% of patients survive 2 years after diagnosis6, and result in up to 25% of death cases13. WASP is a
key regulator of actin polymerization in hematopoietic cells. As a cytoskeletal regulator, it is necessary for induction of normal immunity. WASp functions as a bridge between signaling and movement of the actin fi laments in the cytoskeleton. WASp has several welldefi
ned domains (pleckstrin, cofi lin, verprolin, SH3) that are involved in signaling, cell locomotion, and immune synapse formation. In vitro studies with T cells, platelets, phagocytes, and dendritic cells of patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome reveal defects in the
formation of microvilli, fi lopodia, phagocytic vacuoles, and podosomes, respectively; these structures depend on cytoskeletal reorganization of actin fi laments.

Researchers also identifi ed many different mutations that interfere with the protein binding to Cdc42 and Rac GTPases, among other binding partners, most of which are involved in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton of lymphocytes14,15. The actin cytoskeleton
is responsible for cellular functions, such as growth, endocytosis, exocytosis, and cytokinesis. Mutations of WASP are located throughout the gene and either inhibit or dysregulate normal WASp function. WASp facilitates the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NFkB) and was shown to play an important role in lymphoid development and in the maturation and function of myeloid monocytic cells. In mice, WASp was found to be essential for NF-ATp activation, and for nuclear translocation of p-Erk, Elk1 phosphorylation, and c-fos
gene expression in T cells. These defects in mutated forms of WASP are the likely etiology of defective IL-2 expression and T-cell proliferation in Wiskott- Aldrich

Syndrome.

Research has shown phenotype-genotype correlation. Classic Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, X-linked thrombocytopenia, and X-linked neutropenia occurs when WASp is absent, when mutated WASp is expressed, and when missense mutations occur in the Cdc42-binding site, respectively16. Pre-natal diagnosis is possible using DNA technology, either by direct identifi cation of mutation or by linkage.
Treatment is directed mainly at control of bleeding through transfusions of blood and platelets, and control of infections with antibiotics and Immunoglobulin replacement. Splenectomy improves the platelet number but makes the patient susceptible to sepsis, requiring
life long prophylaxis with antibiotics17. Immunoglobulins given intravnously may be helpful in prophylaxis of both viral and bacterial infections, but do not improve thrombocytopenia. Eczema is diffi cult to manage and may persist even after long term use of local steroids.
Currently, the only curative therapeutic option for WAS patients is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). When a related human leukocyte antigenidentical donor is available, HSCT leads to more than 80% survival rate. On the other hand, transplantation using the bone marrow of a mismatched related donor results in a decreased survival rate18,19,20,21. When a suitable related donor is not available, bone marrow or cord blood transplantation from a matched unrelated donor is a valid therapeutic option, leading to a 71% to
81% survival rate19,20,22. A better outcome for matched unrelated donor and mismatched related donor HSCT in patients younger than 5 and 2 years of age, respectively, has been reported, suggesting that transplantations should be performed early in life19,20,23.
J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. -149- May-August, 2011/Vol 31/Issue 2 The fi rst reported case of sucessful BMT for WAS in India from Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore24. The implementation of new therapeutic strategies, such as transplantation of autologous genecorrected hematopoietic stem cells, is highly desirable because it will avoid rejection and graft-versus-host disease and could be applicable to all WAS patients lacking a suitable bone marrow donor, allowing the timely treatment of the disease. The rationale for
gene therapy is also supported by the observation of frequent spontaneous somatic revertants conferring selective advantage to WASP expressing cells25. At present, retroviral vectors based on the murine Moloney leukemia virus have been used for the treatment of
patients with SCID-X1, ADA-SCID, and X-CGD26,27,28. Recently, a gene therapy trial for WAS was initiated in Germany using a murine Moloney leukemia virusderived retroviral vector encoding the full WASp cDNA. Preliminary data from the fi rst 2 patients 18 months
after gene therapy indicate amelioration of the clinical phenotype with correction of thrombocytopenia and resolution of eczema and autoimmunity29. Dupre L et al have demonstrated that lentiviral vector encoding a 1.6-kb fragment of the human WAS endogenous
promoter (w1.6WLV) is able to successfully restore WASP expression in CD34_ HSCs, T cells, B cells, and DCs, and to correct TCR-driven activation in T-cell lines derived from WAS patients30. However gene therapy using a lentiviral vector is still in experimental phase in
animal model for the treatment of WAS. WAS patient should be immunized except live vaccine because a protective antibody response often obtained.


Conclusion


We should have high index of suspicion of WAS if any patient presented with bleeding manifestation with history of recurrent sino-pulmonary infection and eczema especially at centres with limited resources in developing country, because early diagnosis and
treatment has better prognosis.


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How to cite this article ?

Kumar MK, Narayan R. Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome, often Missed: A Case Report and Review. J Nep Paedtr Soc
2011;31(2):146-150.