TF Leung, CK Li, MMK Shing, KW Chik, PMP Yuen

Abstract

We report three young children with common variable immunodeficiency that presented with failure to thrive as well as recurrent viral, bacterial or fungal infections. They had abnormal humoral and cellular immune functions as well as altered functions of granulocytes and natural killer cells. Our oldest boy died from severe pneumonia whereas the other two patients are free from serious infection on followup. Although common variable immunodeficiency typically affects young adults, this diagnosis should also be considered in infants and young children who suffered from atypical or recurrent infections. Thorough immunological investigations should be performed in these patients.