Publications by authors named "Haig Tcheurekdjian"

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic due to the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes worldwide devastation. We describe the course of a patient with COVID-19 in the setting of an acquired humoral deficiency as a result of chemotherapeutic treatment for rheumatologic conditions.

Case Report: A 49-year-old Caucasian male presented with non-relieving fever, hypoxemia, and persistent diarrhea after seven days following a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.

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  • Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory nasal condition linked to allergens, and this study is the first to document familial success with allergen desensitization therapy (SCIT).
  • A month-long survey of 200 SCIT patients revealed that 26% reported family members also benefiting from the same treatment.
  • Understanding genetic influences on SCIT effectiveness could enhance treatment recommendations for AR patients in the future.
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Introduction: Anaphylaxis is a life threatening systemic inflammatory process that share mediators involved in the coagulation cascade. Platelet activating factor, known to increase platelet aggregation, has also been implicated as an important mediator of anaphylaxis. Although other inflammatory reactions are associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, anaphylaxis is currently not reported as one of them.

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Background: In patients with humoral immunodeficiency, the progression of bronchiectasis has been known to occur despite adequate gammaglobulin therapy and in the absence of recurrent infections. This observation suggests that factors other than gammaglobulin replacement might play a part in the prevention of lung damage in this population. α-Antitrypsin deficiency can be associated with bronchiectasis, a chronic inflammatory lung disease.

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Anaphylactic insults that cause cardiovascular signs and symptoms have been defined as Kounis syndrome, which has been associated with specific triggered anaphylactic reactions. Kounis syndrome has not been described in patients with no evidence of coronary artery disease (type I Kounis) in a scenario of idiopathic anaphylaxis. We reported a case of a 65-year-old white woman with no evidence of coronary artery disease who experienced two myocardial infarctions on separate occasions attributable to idiopathic anaphylaxis.

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  • Penicillin desensitization is crucial for pregnant patients with severe penicillin allergies who also have syphilis.
  • A pregnant patient with secondary syphilis experienced anaphylaxis during the desensitization process but was successfully treated with intramuscular epinephrine.
  • Continuous fetal monitoring during the episode indicated that the fetus experienced stable conditions, suggesting that epinephrine has little to no immediate negative effects on the fetus in such situations.
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Cold urticaria and cholinergic urticaria are two distinct entities. The presentation of exclusive cold-induced cholinergic urticaria is very rare. The patient described herein had experienced urticaria in the exclusive setting of exercising in a cold environment.

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  • Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) is a rare immune disorder causing severe skin and respiratory infections and involves high levels of immunoglobulin E.
  • A patient with a known STAT3 deficiency related to HIES had extraimmune symptoms like unique facial features, skeletal fractures, and episodes of pancreatitis.
  • Research indicates that STAT3 plays a crucial role in pancreatic health, and while mouse studies show STAT3 mutations worsen pancreatitis, the link in humans has not been fully established until this case was reported.
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X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by marked reduction in all classes of serum immunoglobulins and the near absence of mature CD19(+) B-cells. Although malignancy has been observed in patients with XLA, we present the first reported case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a patient with XLA. We also demonstrate the complete correction of the XLA phenotype following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for treatment of the patient's leukemia.

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We present a case report of a 5-year-old boy with presumed anaphylaxis to the caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata, manifesting as the acute development of diffuse urticaria and progressive dyspnea. This reaction required prompt treatment with antihistamines and a bronchodilator. Allergen scratch testing with a homogenized caterpillar extract suggests that immunoglobulin E-mediated type I hypersensitivity as the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for the boy's anaphylaxis.

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