Omenn Syndrome 

  • Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Harumi Jyonouchi, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 9, 2011
 

Background

Omenn syndrome (MIM 603554) is an autosomal recessive form of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) characterized by erythroderma, desquamation, alopecia, chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly (see the image below).

A unique dermatitis characterizes Omenn syndrome. A unique dermatitis characterizes Omenn syndrome. The dermatitis initially resembles eczema, but with a pachydermia, as observed here. The lesions progress to desquamation. Failure to thrive is evident. This infant weighed 6 pounds at age 6 months; his weight had not changed since birth.

Patients develop fungal, bacterial, and viral infections typical of SCID. In this syndrome, the SCID is associated with the virtual absence of B cells and the presence of oligoclonal autoreactive T cells.[1] Lymphocytosis results from the expansion of an oligoclonal population of activated and antigen-stimulated T helper 2 (TH 2) cells that produce elevated levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 5 (IL-5). The latter cytokines mediate eosinophilia and elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels (see the image below).

Common viral infections are fatal in severe combinCommon viral infections are fatal in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This female infant died before bone marrow stem cell engraftment could occur, when varicella became resistant to acyclovir. The nasal bridge reveals superinfection with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Lymphedema, a characteristic of Omenn syndrome, is also shown.
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Pathophysiology

Early recognition of this condition is important for genetic counseling and early treatment.[2] The inflammation may be triggered by clonally expanded T cells, predominantly of the Th2 type.[3] These abnormal T cells presumably secrete cytokines that promote autoimmune as well as allergic inflammation. Omenn syndrome has been identified in leaky SCIDs caused by hypomorphic mutations in recombinase genes RAG-1 and RAG-2, which impair but do not eliminate recombination of variable, diversity, and joining (VDJ) segments of TCR and Ig genes. Most cases of Omenn syndrome reported so far are associated with hypomorphic mutations in RAG-1/RAG-2 genes.

The inability to productively rearrange VDJ regions in T-cell and B-cell receptors leads to abnormal T cells and absent B cells. The mutations in RAG-1 and RAG-2 in Omenn syndrome differ from T-cell negative (T-), B-cell negative (B-), and natural killer cell positive (NKC+) SCID caused by RAG-1 or RAG-2 mutations. In these conditions, the mutations affect the active core of the recombinase genes and typically negate the production of the recombinase protein; hence, no development of T and B lineage cells occurs. In Omenn syndrome, the mutated RAG-1 and RAG-2 proteins remain normally distributed in the nucleus of cells.

A novel mechanism has been suggested: by selectively impairing recombination at certain coding flanks, a RAG mutant can cause primary repertoire restriction, as opposed to a more random, limited repertoire that develops secondary to severely diminished recombination activity, with autoimmune manifestations related to decreased thymic expression of tissue-specific antigens.[4]

However, Omenn syndrome is now known to occur in other leaky SCIDs with mutations in the RNA component of mitochondrial RNA processing endoribonuclease, adenosine deaminase, interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor gamma, interleukin 7 (IL-7) receptor alpha, the nuclease ARTEMIS, and DNA ligase 4. Thus, Omenn syndrome is a distinct inflammatory process that can be associated with genetically diverse, leaky SCIDS. Accordingly, Omenn syndrome is best viewed, not as a specific form of SCID, but rather as an aberrant inflammatory condition that can be associated with multiple genetic abnormalities, which can significantly impair (but not abolish) T-cell development in the thymus. Mutations in the DCLRE1C gene, which encodes ARTEMIS, have been described in a number of patients.[5, 6] Many of the mutations were gross deletions of exons 1-3 or exons 1-4.

An oligoclonal expansion of Th2 population is viewed as a result of increased exposure to inadequately cleared antigens. These oligoclonal T cells have a highly restricted receptor repertoire, as well as increased apoptosis due to overexpression of CD95 and underexpression of anti-apoptotic factors, such as bcl -2.

Germinal centers are absent in the lymph nodes, which is consistent with the inability to produce functional antibodies. Hassall corpuscles are poorly formed, and lymphocytes are deficient in the thymus. Paracortical lymphocytes are absent in the spleen.

RAG -deficient mice have been developed. Their defects are restricted to the T- B- immunologic abnormalities, as observed in human RAG deficiency. Recently, 2 murine models bearing mutations of the VDJ recombinase analogous to those causing human OS have been developed. These murine models have oligoclonal T cells, an absence of circulating B cells, peripheral eosinophilia, and activated autoreactive T cells infiltrating gut and skin, causing diarrhea, alopecia, and, in some cases, severe erythrodermia.[7, 8]

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

The frequency of Omenn syndrome is difficult to ascertain. The prevalence of all forms of SCID is estimated to be 1 case per 50,000 population.

International

Omenn syndrome has been reported in patients from throughout the world, mainly North America and Europe.

Mortality/Morbidity

Omenn syndrome is fatal if untreated. Patients have life-threatening viral, bacterial, fungal, and Pneumocystis carinii infections that are observed in other types of SCID. Patients commonly have Staphylococcus aureus sepsis, which is related to the generalized dermatitis. Live viral infections, including those due to attenuated oral poliovirus, may cause death. In addition, chronic diarrhea and resulting inanition may be responsible for death.

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is usually successful, but life-threatening acute or chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) may be a complication. This can occur in any stem cell reconstitution procedure.

Race

Patients have been identified in the United States, Canada, Europe, and India.

Sex

The incidences are equal among male and female infants; this observation is consistent with the autosomal recessive etiology of Omenn syndrome.

Age

Infants present within weeks of birth and usually by age 3 months, as do those with other types of SCID. The characteristic dermatitis, chronic diarrhea, and failure to thrive often precede the onset of infections. Published reports of patients describe presentation by the time the patient is aged 6 months.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH  Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-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.

Coauthor(s)

Robert Y Lin, MD  Professor, Department of Medicine, New York Medical College; Chief, Allergy and Immunology, and Director of Utilization Review, Department Medicine, New York Downtown Hospital

Robert Y Lin, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology and American Federation for Medical Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Terry W Chin, MD, PhD  Associate Director, Pediatric Allergy/Immunology/Pulmonology, Miller Children's Hospital, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine

Terry W Chin, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, American Association of Immunologists, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, California Thoracic Society, Clinical Immunology Society, and Western Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David J Valacer, MD  Consulting Staff, Hoffman La Roche Pharmaceuticals

David J Valacer, 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 Thoracic Society, and New York Academy of Sciences

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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

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, UMDNJ-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.

References
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  30. Rieux-Laucat F, Bahadoran P, Brousse N, et al. Highly restricted human T cell repertoire in peripheral blood and tissue-infiltrating lymphocytes in Omenn's syndrome. J Clin Invest. Jul 15 1998;102(2):312-21. [Medline]. [Full Text].

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A unique dermatitis characterizes Omenn syndrome. The dermatitis initially resembles eczema, but with a pachydermia, as observed here. The lesions progress to desquamation. Failure to thrive is evident. This infant weighed 6 pounds at age 6 months; his weight had not changed since birth.
Common viral infections are fatal in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This female infant died before bone marrow stem cell engraftment could occur, when varicella became resistant to acyclovir. The nasal bridge reveals superinfection with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Lymphedema, a characteristic of Omenn syndrome, is also shown.
Table. Immune Globulin, Intravenous[12, 13, 11, 14]
Brand(Manufacturer)Manufacturing ProcesspHAdditives (IVIG products containing sucrose are more often associated with renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, and osmotic nephrosis, particularly with preexisting risk factors [eg, history of renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, age >65 y, dehydration, sepsis, paraproteinemia, nephrotoxic drugs].) Parenteral Form and Final ConcentrationsIgA Content (mcg/mL)
Carimune NF



(CSL Behring)



Kistler-Nitschmann fractionation; pH 4 incubation, nanofiltration6.4-6.86% solution: 10% sucrose, < 20 mg NaCl/g proteinLyophilized powder 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%Trace
Flebogamma



(Grifols USA)



Cohn-Oncley fractionation, PEG precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography, pasteurization5.1-6Sucrose free, contains 5% D-sorbitolLiquid 5%< 50
Gammagard Liquid 10%



(Baxter Bioscience)



Cohn-Oncley cold ethanol fractionation, cation and anion exchange chromatography, solvent detergent treated, nanofiltration, low pH incubation 4.6-5.10.25M glycineReady-for-use Liquid 10%37
Gamunex



(Talecris Biotherapeutics)



Cohn-Oncley fractionation, caprylate-chromatography purification, cloth and depth filtration, low pH incubation4-4.5Contains no sugar, contains glycineLiquid 10%46
Gammaplex



(Bio Products)



Solvent/detergent treatment targeted to enveloped viruses; virus filtration using Pall Ultipor to remove small viruses including nonenveloped viruses; low pH incubation 4.8-5.1Contains sorbitol (40 mg/mL); do not administer if fructose intolerantReady-for-use solution 5%< 10
Iveegam EN



(Baxter Bioscience)



Cohn-Oncley fraction II/III; ultrafiltration; pasteurization6.4-7.25% solution: 5% glucose, 0.3% NaClLyophilized powder 5%< 10
Polygam S/D



Gammagard S/D



(Baxter Bioscience for the American Red Cross)



Cohn-Oncley cold ethanol fractionation, followed by ultracentrafiltration and ion exchange chromatography; solvent detergent treated 6.4-7.25% solution: 0.3% albumin, 2.25% glycine, 2% glucoseLyophilized powder 5%, 10%< 1.6 (5% solution)
Octagam



(Octapharma USA)



9/24/10: Withdrawn from market because of unexplained reports of thromboembolic events



Cohn-Oncley fraction II/III; ultrafiltration; low pH incubation; S/D treatment pasteurization5.1-610% maltoseLiquid 5%200
Panglobulin



(Swiss Red Cross for the American Red Cross)



Kistler-Nitschmann fractionation; pH 4, trace pepsin, nanofiltration6.6Per gram of IgG: 1.67 g sucrose, < 20 mg NaClLyophilized powder 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%720
Privigen Liquid 10%



(CSL Behring)



Cold ethanol fractionation, octanoic acid fractionation, and anion exchange chromatography; pH 4 incubation and depth filtration4.6-5L-proline (approximately 250 mmol/L) as stabilizer; trace sodium; does not contain carbohydrate stabilizers (eg, sucrose, maltose) Ready-for use liquid 10%< 25
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