Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a disorder that affects the immune system’s ability to protect the body, and fight diseases and infections. Dr. Alfred Wiskott (1898-1978) A German pediatrician first noticed the disease in 1937. Dr. Robert Anderson Aldrich (1917-1998) an American pediatrician described the rare disorder in a family in 1954. To learn more about Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, keep on reading.

Signs There are some signs and symptoms of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome that would be good to know. Most patients experience frequent infections of the skin and this may happen because the immune system is not producing enough B cells and T cells to fight off bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Skin discoloration is also a common sign of WAS. Excessive bleeding and eczema (rash) conditions are common signs and symptoms. Blood in the bowel, sinus infections and ear infections are also common conditions associated with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Signs and symptoms may vary from patient to patient so getting treatment early is the best way to try to protect your child from this disease. Please report these signs and symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Diagnosis The diagnosis and prognosis in patients who have Wiskott-Aldrich will most likely be different for each patient. A doctor will normally do a blood test to diagnose WAS. There is a variety of tests that doctors can perform such as a genetic test, a blood cell test, a prenatal test, and a DNA test. WAS occurs most often in male children. Medical professionals have been treating the disease by prescribing antibiotics for infections, and they are performing platelet transfusions to limit the bleeding. Immune globulin is used to strengthen the immune system and creams are used to eczema. The prognosis is not good and most patients die from cancer that is caused by the infections or they die from bleeding. This is not intended to be medical advice please see your doctor for medical advice. This information is only written to inform the reader.