Publications by authors named "Dirk N Darnell"

Article Synopsis
  • APECED is a genetic disorder linked to autoimmune diseases, with over 40% of affected individuals experiencing pneumonitis, often misdiagnosed despite clear respiratory symptoms.
  • The study highlighted specific autoantibodies and a genetic mutation related to the development of pneumonitis, revealing distinct immune responses in the lungs of these patients.
  • Immunomodulation targeting T and B lymphocytes proved effective in managing symptoms and improving lung function in patients with APECED pneumonitis, demonstrating the significance of understanding lung autoimmunity in this condition.
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Background: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is characterized by recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections and aberrant inflammation. Mutations in CYBB cause X-linked CGD and account for 65% to 70% of cases in Western countries.

Objective: We sought to understand the clinical manifestations associated with the X-linked CGD carrier state.

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Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, severe, otherwise fatal viral infection of the white matter of the brain caused by the polyomavirus JC virus, which typically occurs only in immunocompromised patients. One patient with dominant gain-of-function (GOF) mutation in signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and PML was reported previously. We aim to identify the molecular defect in 3 patients with PML and to review the literature on PML in primary immune defects (PIDs).

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Background: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is due to defective nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity and characterized by recurrent infections with a limited spectrum of bacteria and fungi as well as inflammatory complications. To understand the impact of common severe infections in CGD, we examined the records of 268 patients followed at a single center over 4 decades.

Methods: All patients had confirmed diagnoses of CGD, and genotype was determined where possible.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Objective: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare disorder of phagocyte oxidative metabolism. In addition to infectious complications, granulomatous lesions often involve hollow viscera, especially the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical presentation, prevalence, and consequences of GI involvement in patients with CGD.

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