Skeletal Dysplasias
Skeletal Dysplasias Patricia G. Wheeler David D. Weaver Skeletal dysplasias are conditions presenting primary problems in growth resulting from defective formation of bone or cartilage. This category of diseases includes…
Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis Patricia Woo Amyloidosis is characterized by the deposition of a homogenous eosinophilic material in the parenchyma and around blood vessels. Amyloidosis was originally divided into two types: primary amyloidosis…
Combined Immunodeficiency Diseases
Combined Immunodeficiency Diseases Rebecca H. Buckley Genetic defects in T-cell function lead to an increased susceptibility to infections or to other clinical problems that are more serious than in those…
Functional Disorders of Granulocytes
Functional Disorders of Granulocytes C. Wayne Smith M. Michele Mariscalco Mobile blood granulocytes and monocytes and fixed phagocytic cells function as a first-line defense against invasion by bacterial or fungal…
Complement Deficiencies
Complement Deficiencies Jerry A. Winkelstein The complement system is composed of a series of plasma proteins and cellular receptors that, when functioning in an ordered and integrated fashion, serve as…
Disorders of Humoral Immunity
Disorders of Humoral Immunity Howard M. Lederman Antibodies play a critical role in the host’s defense against infection. Many of the protective functions of antibody, such as neutralization of viruses…
Clinical Presentation of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases
Clinical Presentation of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Howard M. Lederman The primary immunodeficiency diseases were originally viewed as rare disorders, presenting early in life, with severe clinical symptoms. It has become…
The Immune System
The Immune System Howard M. Lederman The immune system is composed of a variety of cells (B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils) and their secretory products (antibodies, complement, and…
Insect Sting Allergy
Insect Sting Allergy Kenneth C. Schuberth For most children and adults, insect stings are common, painful, but not particularly hazardous. However, in approximately 1% of the general population, stings trigger…
Allergic Rhinitis and Associated Disorders
Allergic Rhinitis and Associated Disorders F. Estelle R. Simons Allergic rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal mucosa, is the most common chronic disease of the respiratory tract and the most…
