Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in an infant with dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) deficiency associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: DOCK8 deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent infections, severe allergic disease, and autoimmunity. Here, we report a patient with DOCK8 deficiency that was initially presented as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without recurrent infections and treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Patient concerns: A 16-month-old boy with a previous history of eczema developed high fever and hand and foot swelling. Over time, multiple purpura, oral ulcers, and oliguria developed with a persistent fever. His laboratory findings showed anemia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy with a high level of C-reactive protein (CRP). No definite pathogens were identified. The complement fractions C3, C4, and CH50 were low. Autoantibodies including antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-ds DNA antibody were positive. He definitively satisfied the 2015 ACR/SLICC revised criteria for the diagnosis of SLE (7 points out of 16); therefore, he was treated with a steroid. Lupus nephritis was confirmed by renal biopsy later. Considering the early-onset SLE, partial exome sequencing was performed.

Diagnosis: One heterozygous missense variant, c.5536A>G (p.Lys1846Glu), which was inherited from his father, and heterozygous deletion of exon 1 to 8 inherited from his mother were found. Through the results of the genetic testing, the patient was confirmed to have DOCK8 deficiency.

Interventions: At the age of 28 months, he received haploidentical HSCT from his mother as a donor.

Outcomes: Laboratory findings including complement fractions C3, C4, CH50, anti-ds DNA antibody, and the ANA became normal after HSCT. Currently, at 12 months post-HSCT, he is doing well, without any autoimmune features or infections.

Conclusions: DOCK8 deficiency can be presented as autoimmune disease such as SLE. Encountering a child diagnosed with SLE at a very young age, pediatricians should consider immunodeficiency syndrome including DOCK8 deficiency.