DiGeorge Syndrome Medication

  • Author: Erawati V Bawle, MD, FAAP, FACMG; Chief Editor: Harumi Jyonouchi, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 15, 2012
 

Medication Summary

Medications are necessary when hypocalcemia or immune deficiency is present. Treat patients with severely impaired T-cell function or profound lymphopenia prophylactically with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, as directed by the immunologist. In patients with primary immune deficiencies, an immunologist should decide whether to initiate replacement therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin. Calcium supplementation is necessary in those with hypocalcemia. In rare cases in which calcium supplementation may not suffice, vitamin D may also be administered.

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Antibiotics

Class Summary

These agents are used prophylactically in patients with immunodeficiency.

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Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)

 

Used for prophylaxis in DGA. Inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting synthesis of dihydrofolic acid. This should be prescribed based on recommendations from the immunologist.

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Vitamin and mineral supplements

Class Summary

Hypocalcemia may occur, requiring supplementation with calcium. In patients with symptoms refractory to calcium, supplementation with a vitamin D analog may also be necessary.

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Calcium carbonate (Oystercal, Caltrate)

 

Treatment and prevention of calcium depletion. Calcium moderates nerve and muscle performance by regulating action potential excitation threshold. One gram of calcium carbonate = 400 mg of elemental calcium.

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Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)

 

Vitamin D analog and primary active metabolite of vitamin D-3. Increases calcium levels by promoting absorption of calcium in intestines and retention in kidneys. Use should be initiated only upon endocrinologist recommendation.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Erawati V Bawle, MD, FAAP, FACMG  Retired Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine

Erawati V Bawle, MD, FAAP, FACMG is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Medical Genetics and American Society of Human Genetics

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

C Lucy Park  MD, Head, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine

C Lucy Park is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, American Medical Association, Chicago Medical Society, Clinical Immunology Society, and Illinois State Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

John Wilson Georgitis, MD  Consulting Staff, Lafayette Allergy Services

John Wilson Georgitis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Chest Physicians, American Lung Association, American Medical Writers Association, and American Thoracic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David Pallares, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine

David Pallares, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Harumi Jyonouchi, MD  Associate Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy/Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Harumi Jyonouchi, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Immunologists, American Medical Association, Clinical Immunology Society, New York Academy of Sciences, Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, Society for Mucosal Immunology, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

The author and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author, Daniel AC Frattarelli, MD, FAAP, to the development and writing of this article.

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Mother and children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
An African American girl with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
The same girl in previous image showing an asymmetric crying face.
 
 
 
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