Defective neutrophil chemotaxis with variant ichthyosis, hyperimmunoglobulinemia E, and recurrent infections

Host defense mechanisms were evaluated in a 41/2-year-old boy with recurrent pyogenic infections and a unique hyperkeratotic skin disorder. The patient's neutrophils were consistently defective in chemotactic responsiveness but had normal NBT reduction, glucose oxidation, and iodination. Serum concentrations of IgE were markedly elevated and the secondary antibody response was abnormal. No T-cell dysfunction was detected. These findings suggest a relationship between this patient, and patients with other syndromes associated with recurrent infections, cutaneous disease, defective chemotaxis, immunodeficiency, and hyperimmunoglobulinemia E.