Updated: May 29, 2009
Chédiak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) was described by Beguez Cesar in 1943, Steinbrinck in 1948, Chédiak in 1952, and Higashi in 1954. Chédiak-Higashi syndrome is a rare childhood autosomal recessive disorder that affects multiple systems of the body. Patients with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome exhibit hypopigmentation of the skin, eyes, and hair; prolonged bleeding times; easy bruisability; recurrent infections; abnormal natural killer cell function; and peripheral neuropathy. Morbidity results from patients succumbing to frequent bacterial infections or to an accelerated-phase lymphoproliferation into the major organs of the body. Most patients who do not undergo bone marrow transplantation die of a lymphoproliferative syndrome, although some patients with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome have a relatively milder clinical course of the disease.1,2,3
Chédiak-Higashi syndrome is an autosomal recessive immunodeficiency disorder characterized by abnormal intracellular protein transport. The Chédiak-Higashi syndrome gene was characterized in 1996 as the LYST or CHS1 gene and is localized to bands 1q42-43. The CHS protein is expressed in the cytoplasm of cells of a variety of tissues and may represent an abnormality of organellar protein trafficking.4,5
The Chédiak-Higashi syndrome gene affects the synthesis and/or maintenance of storage/secretory granules in various types of cells. Lysosomes of leukocytes and fibroblasts, dense bodies of platelets, azurophilic granules of neutrophils, and melanosomes of melanocytes are generally larger in size and irregular in morphology, indicating that a common pathway in the synthesis of organelles responsible for storage is affected in patients with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome. In the early stages of neutrophil maturation, normal azurophil granules fuse to form megagranules, whereas, in the later stage (ie, during myelocyte stage), normal granules are formed. The mature neutrophils contain both populations. A similar phenomenon occurs in monocytes. The impaired function in the polymorphonuclear leukocytes may be related to abnormal microtubular assembly.
The disease is often fatal in childhood as a result of infection or an accelerated lymphomalike phase; therefore, few patients live to adulthood. In these patients, a progressive neurologic dysfunction may be the dominant feature. Neurologic involvement is variable but often includes peripheral neuropathy. The mechanism of peripheral neuropathy in Chédiak-Higashi syndrome has not been completely elucidated. Both the axonal type and the demyelinating type of peripheral neuropathy associated with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome have been reported.
Defective melanization of melanosomes occurs in oculocutaneous albinism associated with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome. In melanocytes, autophagocytosis of melanosomes occurs.
Most patients also undergo an accelerated phase or accelerated reaction, which is a nonmalignant lymphohistiocytic lymphomalike infiltration of multiple organs that occurs in more than 80% of patients. This lymphomalike stage is precipitated by viruses, particularly by infection by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is associated with anemia, bleeding episodes, and overwhelming infections leading to death. Infections most commonly involve the skin, the lungs, and the respiratory tract and are usually due to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pneumococcus species.
Chédiak-Higashi syndrome is rare.
Chédiak-Higashi syndrome is rare.6
Death often occurs in the first decade as a result of infection, bleeding, or development of the accelerated lymphomalike phase, but survival into the second and third decades has been reported.
Chédiak-Higashi syndrome affects all races. Al-Khenaizan suggests that Chédiak-Higashi syndrome may be underreported in persons of darker-skinned races.7
Symptoms of Chédiak-Higashi syndrome usually appear soon after birth or in children younger than 5 years.
Albinism
Bacterial Mouth Infections
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Griscelli Syndrome
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Postinflammatory hypopigmentation
Poliosis
Leukemia12
Griscelli-Prunieras syndrome13
A skin biopsy specimen usually appears entirely normal but may show melanin macroglobules and perhaps sparse dermal melanin. Ultrastructural examination reveals large abnormal type stage IV melanosomes that are transferred to keratinocytes with difficulty and are degraded rapidly.
Allogenic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from an HLA-matched sibling is the therapy of choice and should performed early. If no matched family donor is available, an unrelated donor or a placental blood graft is a good alternative.15 BMT alleviates the immune problems and the accelerated phase, but it does not inhibit the development of neurologic disorders, which become increasingly worse with age. BMT corrects the immunologic status but does not affect pigment dilution. Without BMT, children with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome usually die before age 10 years.
Debridement and drainage of deep abscesses may be performed.
A physician who specializes in hematologic disorders should be involved in the care of these patients.
Some activity limitations are advised because of the bruising problem and the bleeding tendency.
The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications.
These agents inhibit DNA synthesis and viral replication. Nucleoside analogs are initially phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase to eventually form a nucleoside triphosphate. These molecules inhibit HSV polymerase with 30-50 times the potency of human alpha-DNA polymerase.
Use as suggested and dosing below is not for antiviral properties but for cellular antimitotic activity at high doses for the accelerated phase.
Inhibits activity of both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Has affinity for viral thymidine kinase and once phosphorylated causes DNA chain termination when acted on by DNA polymerase.
Use as suggested and dosing below is not for antiviral properties but for cellular antimitotic activity at high doses for the accelerated phase.
30 mg/kg IV tid for 2-3 wk
10 mg/kg IV tid for 2-3 wk
May decrease phenytoin plasma concentrations, which may cause increase in seizure activity; coadministration with meperidine may increase risk of CNS stimulation causing increase risk of seizures; may decrease valproic acid plasma concentrations, causing increased risk in seizure activity; concomitant use of probenecid or zidovudine prolongs half-life and increases CNS toxicity; use of acyclovir together with varicella vaccine usually not recommended (may decrease efficacy of varicella vaccine)
Documented hypersensitivity to drug or related products
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Caution in renal failure or when using nephrotoxic drugs; maintain adequate hydration; thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome may occur (some cases resulting in death); caution in geriatric patients (higher plasma levels due to age-related decline in renal function)
These agents inhibit key steps in immune reactions.
Neutralize circulating myelin antibodies through anti-idiotypic antibodies; down-regulates proinflammatory cytokines, including INF-gamma; blocks Fc receptors on macrophages; suppresses inducer T and B cells and augments suppressor T cells; blocks complement cascade; promotes remyelination; may increase CSF IgG (10%).
Primary immune deficiency disorder:
100-200 mg/kg (Vivaglobin) SC qwk; adjust dose and dosing interval to achieve desired clinical response and serum IgG levels
100-600 mg/kg IV qmo, may be given more frequently as indicated; not to exceed 1 g/kg/dose
0.66 mL/kg (at least 100 mg/kg) IM q3-4wk, double dose given at onset of therapy; some patients may require more frequent injections
Administer as in adults
Increases toxicity of live virus vaccine (MMR); do not administer within 3 mo after therapy with IM immune globulin and 6 mo after therapy with IV immune globulin)
Documented hypersensitivity; IgA deficiency; anti–IgE/IgG antibodies
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Check serum IgA before IVIG (use an IgA-depleted product, eg, Gammagard S/D); infusions may increase serum viscosity and thromboembolic events; infusions may increase risk of migraine attacks, aseptic meningitis (10%), urticaria, pruritus, or petechiae (2-30 d postinfusion); increases risk of renal tubular necrosis in elderly patients and in patients with diabetes, volume depletion, and preexisting kidney disease; laboratory result changes associated with infusions include elevated antiviral or antibacterial antibody titers for 1 mo, 6-fold increase in ESR for 2-3 wk, and apparent hyponatremia; blood pressure decline; following IV administration; related to infusion rate; adverse effects include acute respiratory distress syndrome, aseptic meningitis, hemolytic anemia, hepatitis, and hypokalemic nephropathy; myocardial infarction; pulmonary edema
Protein product manufactured by recombinant DNA technology. Mechanism of antitumor activity is not clearly understood; however, direct antiproliferative effects against malignant cells and modulation of host immune response may play important roles.
9 mcg SC 3 times/wk for 24 wk
Not established
Theophylline may increase interferon alpha toxicity; cimetidine may increase antitumor effects; zidovudine and vinblastine may increase toxicity of interferon alpha
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in brain metastases, cardiac disease, autoimmune disease, immunosuppressed transplant patients, severe hepatic or renal insufficiencies, seizure disorders, depression, multiple sclerosis, or compromised CNS; may cause spastic diplegia in children; may cause GI tract hemorrhage, leukopenia, hyperglycemia, and elevate hepatic transaminase levels; may potentiate risk of renal failure
These agents inhibit cell growth and proliferation. Useful in the accelerated phase of the disease.
Mechanism of action is uncertain. May involve a decrease in reticuloendothelial cell function or an increase in platelet production. Reduce dose by 50% if direct bilirubin level > 3 mg/100 mL.
1.4 mg/m2/wk IV
<10 kg: 0.05 mg/kg/wk IV initial
>10 kg: Administer as in adults; not to exceed 2 mg
Acute pulmonary reaction may occur when taken concurrently with mitomycin-C; asparaginase, CYP450 3A4 inhibitors (eg, itraconazole, quinupristin/dalfopristin, sertraline, ritonavir), GM-CSF (eg, sargramostim, filgrastim), or nifedipine increase toxicity; CYP450 3A4 inducers (eg, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin) may decrease effects; administer asparaginase after vincristine rather than before or concurrently to avoid increased risk of toxicity; vaccination with live vaccine in patient immunocompromised by chemotherapeutic agent has resulted in severe and fatal infections; decreases effect of digoxin; concomitant administration of zidovudine with drugs like vincristine which are cytotoxic or suppress bone marrow function may increase the risk of hematologic toxicity; valspodar is capable of increasing plasma levels of vincristine and enhancing its toxicity in cancer patients
Documented hypersensitivity; demyelinating form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome; IT administration may cause death
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in patients with severe cardiopulmonary or hepatic impairment, leukopenia, and patients with preexisting neuromuscular disease; may cause acute uric acid nephropathy, hypertension, hypotension, and leukopenia; vincristine is a vesicant (if extravasation occurs, treatment includes cold compresses and infiltration of the area with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate); syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone described after long-term therapy
Inhibits microtubule formation, which, in turn, disrupts the formation of the mitotic spindle, causing cell proliferation to arrest at metaphase. Use hematologic parameters as a guide. If direct bilirubin level >3, then reduce dose by 50%.
Local injection of hyaluronidase and application of moderate heat to area of extravasation help disperse drug and are thought to minimize discomfort and possibility of cellulitis.
First dose 3.7 mg/m2 IV, second dose 5.5 mg/m2 IV, third dose 7.4 mg/m2 IV, fourth dose 9.25 mg/m2 IV, fifth dose 11.1 mg/m2 IV, at weekly intervals; increase dose weekly until maximum of 18.5 mg/m2; target WBC count reduction to 3000 cells/μ L
3-6 mg/m2 initial; then administer as in adults
Phenytoin plasma levels may be reduced when administered concomitantly with vinblastine; with mitomycin, the toxicity of vinblastine may significantly increase
Concomitant administration of zidovudine with drugs like vinblastine, which are cytotoxic or suppress bone marrow function, may increase risk of hematologic toxicity
Documented hypersensitivity; bacterial infections (especially if granulocytopenic) and bone marrow suppression
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in patients with ulcers of the skin, cachexia, impaired liver function, and neurotoxicity; when patient is receiving mitomycin C, monitor closely for shortness of breath and bronchospasm
Adverse effects include azoospermia, hypertension, hyperuricemia, leukopenia (dose-limiting), myelosuppression, and neurotoxicity; IV use only, intrathecal injection fatal
Leakage into surrounding tissue during intravenous administration may cause considerable irritation; avoid extravasation (if occurs, discontinue injection immediately and restart injection with remaining drug in another vein); malignant cell infiltration of bone marrow
Systemically interfere with events leading to inflammation.
Decreases leukocyte motility and phagocytosis in inflammatory responses.
0.5-0.6 mg PO bid/tid
Not established
Sympathomimetic agent toxicity and effect of CNS depressants significantly increased with colchicine
Concomitant administration of colchicine with clarithromycin, a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 isoenzyme and p-glycoprotein transporter system, may result in significant increases in colchicine serum concentrations and serious pharmacodynamic consequences, including death
Concurrent use of cyclosporine and colchicine may result in gastrointestinal dysfunction, hepatonephropathy, and neuromyopathy due to combined toxicity; may decrease interferon alfa-2a effects
Documented hypersensitivity; severe renal, hepatic, GI, or cardiac disorders; blood dyscrasias
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Risk of renal failure, hepatic failure, permanent hair loss, bone marrow suppression, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and decreased sperm count; dose-dependent GI upset is common
Administration of colchicine may lead to false-positive results when screening urine for red blood cells or hemoglobin
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Chédiak-Higashi syndrome, Bequez Cesar syndrome, Chédiak-Steinbrinck-Higashi syndrome, CHS, immunodeficiency disorder, abnormal intracellular protein transport, LYST gene, CHS1 gene
Roman Janusz Nowicki, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
Roman Janusz Nowicki, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and International Society for Human and Animal Mycology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Jacek C Szepietowski, MD, PhD, Professor, Vice-Head, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University; Director of the Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
Disclosure: Stiefel Salary Employment; Orfagen Consulting fee Consulting; Maruho Consulting fee Consulting; Astellas Consulting fee Consulting
Michael J Wells, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH, Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School
Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and Sigma Xi
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Catherine Quirk, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Brown University
Catherine Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
William D James, MD, Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Vice-Chair, Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System
William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and Society for Investigative Dermatology
Disclosure: elsevier Royalty Other; american college of physicians Honoraria Other
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