Terminal complement pathway deficiency: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition (new)
{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Terminal complement pathway deficiency
| name            = Terminal complement pathway deficiency
| synonyms        =
| image          = [[File:Complement_death.PNG|250px]]
| image          = Complement death.PNG
| caption        = Diagram of the complement system
| alt            =
| field          = [[Immunology]]
| caption        = [[complement membrane attack complex]]
| symptoms        = Increased susceptibility to [[Neisseria]] infections
| pronounce      =
| complications  = [[Meningitis]], [[sepsis]]
| field          =  
| onset          = Congenital or acquired
| geneReviewsID  =
| duration        = Lifelong
| symptoms        =  
| causes          = Genetic mutations affecting the terminal complement pathway
| complications  =  
| risks          = Family history of complement deficiencies
| onset          =  
| diagnosis      = [[Complement system]] assays, genetic testing
| duration        =  
| differential    = Other [[immunodeficiency]] disorders
| types          =
| prevention      = Vaccination against [[Neisseria meningitidis]]
| causes          =  
| treatment      = Prophylactic antibiotics, vaccination
| risks          =  
| prognosis      = Good with appropriate management
| diagnosis      =  
| frequency      = Rare
| differential    =  
| prevention      =  
| treatment      =  
| medication      =
| prognosis      =  
| frequency      =  
| deaths          =
}}
}}
'''Terminal complement pathway deficiency''' is a genetic condition affecting the [[complement membrane attack complex]] (MAC).
{{Short description|A rare immunodeficiency disorder affecting the complement system}}
 
'''Terminal complement pathway deficiency''' is a rare [[immunodeficiency]] disorder that affects the [[complement system]], specifically the terminal components of the complement cascade. This condition results in an increased susceptibility to certain types of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by [[Neisseria meningitidis]].
It involves deficiencies of [[Complement component 5|C5]], [[Complement component 6|C6]], [[Complement component 7|C7]], and [[C8 complex|C8]](While [[Complement component 9|C9]] is part of the MAC, and deficiencies have been identified,<ref name="pmid7430628">{{cite journal |vauthors=Lint TF, Zeitz HJ, Gewurz H |title=Inherited deficiency of the ninth component of complement in man |journal=J. Immunol. |volume=125 |issue=5 |pages=2252–7 |date=November 1980 |pmid=7430628 |doi= |url=http://www.jimmunol.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=7430628}}</ref> it is not required for cell lysis.<ref name="HabermannClinic2007">{{cite book|author1=Thomas M. Habermann|author2=Mayo Clinic|title=Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Concise Textbook|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YJtodBwNxokC&pg=PA30|accessdate=14 November 2010|date=1 November 2007|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-1-4200-6749-1|pages=30–}}</ref>)
== Introduction ==
 
The complement system is a crucial part of the [[innate immune system]], consisting of a series of proteins that work together to fight infections, clear pathogens, and promote inflammation. The terminal complement pathway involves the formation of the [[membrane attack complex]] (MAC), which is essential for lysing and killing certain bacteria.
People with this condition are prone to [[meningococcal]] infection.<ref name="Bhattacharya">{{cite book|author=J.K. Sinha|author2=S. Bhattacharya|last-author-amp=yes|title=A Text Book of Immunology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ytCNCbCWx8oC&pg=PA385|accessdate=14 November 2010|publisher=Academic Publishers|isbn=978-81-89781-09-5|pages=385–}}</ref> Vaccination may be recommended.<ref name="Southwick2007">{{cite book|author=Frederick S. Southwick|title=Infectious diseases: a clinical short course|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kGz0JcObY5wC&pg=PA149|accessdate=14 November 2010|date=10 December 2007|publisher=McGraw Hill Professional|isbn=978-0-07-147722-2|pages=149–}}</ref>
==Pathophysiology==
==Cause==
In terminal complement pathway deficiency, there is a defect in one or more of the components of the terminal complement pathway, typically C5, C6, C7, C8, or C9. This defect impairs the formation of the MAC, reducing the body's ability to lyse and kill certain bacteria, particularly [[Neisseria species]].
{{Empty section|date=August 2017}}
==Clinical Manifestations==
Individuals with terminal complement pathway deficiency are particularly susceptible to recurrent infections with [[Neisseria meningitidis]], which can lead to [[meningitis]] and [[septicemia]]. These infections can be severe and life-threatening if not promptly treated.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Suspect terminal complement pathway deficiency with patients who have more than one episode of Neisseria infection.  
Diagnosis of terminal complement pathway deficiency is typically made through laboratory tests that measure the activity of the complement system. These tests can identify deficiencies in specific complement components. Genetic testing may also be used to identify mutations in the genes encoding these proteins.
 
==Management==
{{Complement test comparisons|align=right}}
Management of terminal complement pathway deficiency involves preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. This includes vaccination against [[Neisseria meningitidis]] and prophylactic antibiotics. Patients are also educated about the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infections and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if they occur.
Initial complement tests often include C3 and C4, but not C5 through C9. Instead, the [[total complement activity|CH50]] result may play a role in diagnosis: if the CH50 level is low but C3 and C4 are normal, then analysis of the individual terminal components may be warranted.
==Prognosis==
 
With appropriate preventive measures and prompt treatment of infections, individuals with terminal complement pathway deficiency can lead relatively normal lives. However, they remain at increased risk for severe infections and must be vigilant about their health.
==Treatment==
==See also==
Patients with terminal complement pathway deficiency should receive meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccinations. They can receive live vaccines.
* [[Complement system]]
 
* [[Immunodeficiency]]
==References==
* [[Neisseria meningitidis]]
{{reflist}}
* [[Membrane attack complex]]
== External links ==
[[Category:Immunology]]
{{Medical resources
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
|  DiseasesDB      =
[[Category:Genetic disorders]]
|  ICD10          =
|  ICD9            = 
|  ICDO            =
|  OMIM            = 120950
|  OMIM_mult = {{OMIM2|609536}}, {{OMIM2|612446}}, {{OMIM2|610102}}
|  MedlinePlus    =  
|  eMedicineSubj  =  
|  eMedicineTopic  =  
|  MeshID          =  
|  GeneReviewsName =
}}
{{Lymphoid and complement immunodeficiency}}
 
[[Category:Complement deficiency]]
 
 
{{genetic-disorder-stub}}
{{dictionary-stub1}}
```
== Terminal complement pathway deficiency ==
<gallery>
File:Complement_death.PNG
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 15:28, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Terminal complement pathway deficiency
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Increased susceptibility to Neisseria infections
Complications Meningitis, sepsis
Onset Congenital or acquired
Duration Lifelong
Types N/A
Causes Genetic mutations affecting the terminal complement pathway
Risks Family history of complement deficiencies
Diagnosis Complement system assays, genetic testing
Differential diagnosis Other immunodeficiency disorders
Prevention Vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis
Treatment Prophylactic antibiotics, vaccination
Medication N/A
Prognosis Good with appropriate management
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


A rare immunodeficiency disorder affecting the complement system


Terminal complement pathway deficiency is a rare immunodeficiency disorder that affects the complement system, specifically the terminal components of the complement cascade. This condition results in an increased susceptibility to certain types of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Neisseria meningitidis.

Introduction[edit]

The complement system is a crucial part of the innate immune system, consisting of a series of proteins that work together to fight infections, clear pathogens, and promote inflammation. The terminal complement pathway involves the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), which is essential for lysing and killing certain bacteria.

Pathophysiology[edit]

In terminal complement pathway deficiency, there is a defect in one or more of the components of the terminal complement pathway, typically C5, C6, C7, C8, or C9. This defect impairs the formation of the MAC, reducing the body's ability to lyse and kill certain bacteria, particularly Neisseria species.

Clinical Manifestations[edit]

Individuals with terminal complement pathway deficiency are particularly susceptible to recurrent infections with Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to meningitis and septicemia. These infections can be severe and life-threatening if not promptly treated.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of terminal complement pathway deficiency is typically made through laboratory tests that measure the activity of the complement system. These tests can identify deficiencies in specific complement components. Genetic testing may also be used to identify mutations in the genes encoding these proteins.

Management[edit]

Management of terminal complement pathway deficiency involves preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. This includes vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis and prophylactic antibiotics. Patients are also educated about the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infections and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if they occur.

Prognosis[edit]

With appropriate preventive measures and prompt treatment of infections, individuals with terminal complement pathway deficiency can lead relatively normal lives. However, they remain at increased risk for severe infections and must be vigilant about their health.

See also[edit]