Which diagnostic finding is consistent with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome?

Which diagnostic finding is consistent with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome?

• A. IgA-decreased
• B. B-cells-decreased
• C. IgG-normal
• D. IgM-increased

Answer: (B)

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome shows a distinctive pattern of immunoglobulin levels due to combined B- and T-cell dysfunction. The hallmark is low IgM, with IgA and IgE typically elevated and IgG often normal or variable. This pattern reflects the defective immune signaling in WAS and helps distinguish it from other immunodeficiencies. Clinically, WAS also features eczema and thrombocytopenia with small platelets, which support the diagnosis. Among the choices, a decreased B-cell count does not fit the characteristic immunoglobulin profile of WAS, since B-cell numbers are not the defining abnormality. IgA is usually increased, not decreased; IgM is not increased, and IgG is often normal or variably affected. The key diagnostic clue you’d look for is the pattern of reduced IgM with increased IgA/IgE, rather than changes in B-cell numbers.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome shows a distinctive pattern of immunoglobulin levels due to combined B- and T-cell dysfunction. The hallmark is low IgM, with IgA and IgE typically elevated and IgG often normal or variable. This pattern reflects the defective immune signaling in WAS and helps distinguish it from other immunodeficiencies. Clinically, WAS also features eczema and thrombocytopenia with small platelets, which support the diagnosis.

Among the choices, a decreased B-cell count does not fit the characteristic immunoglobulin profile of WAS, since B-cell numbers are not the defining abnormality. IgA is usually increased, not decreased; IgM is not increased, and IgG is often normal or variably affected. The key diagnostic clue you’d look for is the pattern of reduced IgM with increased IgA/IgE, rather than changes in B-cell numbers.