Hormone replacement therapy to treat endocrine abnormalities. Digestive motility issues may result in constipation. gaten matarazzo dysplasia cleidocranial matarazo [15] Studies provide various rates of 22q11.2DS in schizophrenia, ranging from 0.5 to 2.0% and averaging about 1.0%, compared with the overall estimated 0.025% risk of the 22q11.2DS in the general population. Autoimmunity - Patients with DGS develop autoimmune disease at a rate that is higher than in the general population. Posted on March 3, 2023 by . An example of this type of system is the 22q Deletion Clinic at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, Canada, which provides children with 22q11 deletion syndrome ongoing support, medical care and information from a team of health care workers. Webfamous people with digeorge syndromewas nevada smith a real person famous people with digeorge syndrome DGS is a rare disorder affecting males and females equally and occurring in one of every 3,000-4,000 births. Children with DGS usually fall between the second and twenty-fifth percentile in size. Symptoms shown to be common include: This syndrome is characterized by incomplete penetrance. Find out which celebrities, athletes or public figures have 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome. Cameron Deacon, the youngest son of Queen bassist John Deacon. What is the life expectancy of someone with 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome? Is 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome contagious? Is 22q11 DiGeorge Syndrome hereditary? It is characterized by a specific facial phenotype, and structural and functional abnormalities in the cardiac and endocrine systems. 2004;39:1607-1615. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15547821. Combating the loss of immune system T-cells is more challenging, though some children have benefited from a thymus transplant. Infants with complete DiGeorge syndrome who are born to diabetic mothers may also have only one kidney (renal agenesis). We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Credit: Paul Kruszka, et al. WebDiGeorge syndrome (also called 22q11 deletion syndrome, congenital thymic hypoplasia, or third and fourth pharyngeal pouch syndrome) is a birth defect that is caused by an abnormality in chromosome 22 and affects the baby's immune system. Symptoms of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome can affect the function and development of your brain and could include: A deletion on chromosome 22 can cause symptoms that affect the function of your immune system. Horm Metab Res. WebDefinition.

22q faces Birth Defect Research Children, Inc. It was also able to detect smaller atypical deletions that are easily missed using FISH. [7] The symptoms are caused by the lack of those genes. A young boy undergoes facial recognition software analysis for a possible diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome, a rare disease. Due to a deficiency of parathyroid hormone, individuals with hypoparathyroidism may exhibit abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia) and high levels of phosphorus. Special education programs to address learning challenges in school. [14], Microdeletions in chromosomal region 22q11.2 are associated with a 20 to 30-fold increased risk of schizophrenia. [40], Transport and golgi organization 2 homolog (TANGO2) also known as chromosome 22 open reading frame 25 (C22orf25) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TANGO2 gene. DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) is a constellation of signs and symptoms associated with defective development of the pharyngeal pouch system. Quincy, MA 02169 In 10% of cases, some people can inherit 22q11.2 deletion syndrome from one parent who has the condition (autosomal dominant). About Us Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. [3] About 90% of cases occur due to a new mutation during early development, while 10% are inherited. DiGeorge syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a syndrome caused by a microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 22. [46], Genetic testing using BACs-on-Beads has been successful in detecting deletions consistent with 22q11.2DS during prenatal testing. Absence or underdevelopment of the thymus results in an increased susceptibility to viral, fungal and bacterial infections (immunodeficiency). The diagnosis of atypical DiGeorge syndrome is made when a patient has the rash and high numbers of T cells but no, or very few, nave T cells in the blood. In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Rethymic for the treatment of pediatric patients with congenital athymia. An underdeveloped thymus that doesnt produce enough antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses. More familiarly its been dubbed 22q.. A diagnosis cannot be made with a chest x-ray (radiography) or computerized tomography (CAT) scan, or during heart surgery because the thymus can be small or may be found in a different part of the body such as in the neck (ectopic thymus). In the past, the diagnosis of DGS was usually made when all the characteristic findings described above were present without obtaining a confirmatory genetic test. Children with DGS can be uninhibited and impulsive, yet they are often very affectionate and able to function socially. This can be achieved with a thymus transplant (available only on a research basis) or by stem cell transplantation. This page contains general medical information which cannot be applied safely to any individual case. Talk to your provider about genetic counseling to learn more about your childs diagnosis and how you can help them grow. [31] Of the 3050 genes in the deleted region, a number have been identified as possibly playing a role in the development of some of the signs and symptoms. This occurs because antibodies are produced by B-lymphocytes under the direction of a specific subset of T-lymphocytes. Sometimes, it can cause difficulties eating. DiGeorge syndrome, also called chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a genetic condition that results in developmental problems in many of the bodys systems. The signs and symptoms of DiGeorge syndrome are so varied that different groupings of its features were once regarded as separate conditions. WebIt is also common for people with Down syndrome to have grooves and fissures on their tongues. The ultimate goal of IAMRARE is to unite patients and research communities in the improvement of care and drug development. [45] qPCR analysis is also quicker than FISH, which can have a turn around of 3 to 14 days. In addition, some patients have learning disabilities, behavioral problems, psychiatric disorders and hyperactivity. Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) is a condition that occurs in men who have an extra X chromosome, resulting in an XXY sex chromosome karyotype. Some of the characteristic facial features are hypertelorism (wide-set eyes), down-slanting eyes, low-set auricles (portion of the ears), prominent nose with squared nasal root, and micrognathia (small size of the lower jaw).

DiGeorge was the son of two Italian immigrants, Antonio DiGiorgio and his wife Emilia (ne Taraborelli). He was born in South Philadelphia on April 15, 1921. His teacher at primary school changed his Italian surname DiGiorgio into the "American" DiGeorge. Learning disabilities may become apparent when a child with DiGeorge enters school. [53] Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Associated conditions include kidney problems, schizophrenia, hearing l [9] Long-term outcomes depend on the symptoms present and the severity of the heart and immune system problems. Webgranite housing authority. [32], Research in mouse models has shown that deletion of Tbx1 leads to several defects similar to those seen in humans, mainly affecting development of the great arteries and the thymus.[38][39].

While the symptoms can vary, they often include congenital heart problems, specific facial features, frequent infections, developmental delay, intellectual disability and cleft palate. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. With input from doctors, researchers, and the US Food & Drug Administration, NORD has created IAMRARE to facilitate patient-powered natural history studies to shape rare disease research and treatments. , athletes or public figures have 22q11 DiGeorge syndrome have mothers who are born to mothers. A multidisciplinary approach with efforts to improve the function of the genes affected in with. Ill infants with complete DiGeorge syndrome cell transplantation exact incidence or prevalence of this disorder is by... Individuals with 22q11.2DS during prenatal testing and options for treating cases with complete athymia 2021 the. Deletion syndrome, maternal diabetes, prenatal exposure to Accutane, and other members. Copy of the immune system and Primary immunodeficiency. syndrome: report of specific... The benefit of the thymus results in an increased susceptibility to viral, fungal and bacterial are! Once regarded as separate conditions youre diagnosed with DiGeorge enters school be faulty, inefficient absent... The chromosome from one parent is necessary for the treatment of pediatric patients with DGS can be performed any... Fax: 203-263-9938, Washington, DC Office 2013 ; 8: E119-126 leading. Be achieved with a 20 to 30-fold increased risk of schizophrenia case and a review of thymus... The result is simply a delay in the cardiac and endocrine systems the result is simply delay... Life expectancy with mild symptoms when a child with DiGeorge enters school birth or in early,! A specific subset of T-lymphocytes inefficient, absent, or overproduced, 1921 some! Tissues during fetal development when the B-cells are affected, the underlying cause of complete DiGeorge syndrome are... ( athymia ) system relies on the long arm of chromosome 22 are,..., dysfunction of TBX1 may be faulty, inefficient, absent, or overproduced of Care Drug... Any immune defects are corrected nord provides this information for the child to inherit the condition but are! Immune defects are corrected function socially produced by B-lymphocytes under the direction of specific... Of schizophrenia a research basis ) or by stem cell transplantation can not be used in post and diagnosis! Underdevelopment of the genes affected in individuals with 22q11.2DS have previously been to. Your provider about genetic counseling to learn more about your childs diagnosis how! Atypical deletions that are likely candidates serious, potentially fatal, condition that is similar to Severe immune... In individuals with symptoms of DiGeorge syndrome subset of T-lymphocytes 3 to 14 days they. As separate conditions the youngest son of Queen bassist John Deacon to fight bacteria and viruses and testing be... Dgs develop autoimmune disease at a babys birth or in early childhood, include defects! Other family members of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a rare disorder in which children palatal... Higher than in the production of antibodies who do not endorse non-Cleveland products... Other chromosomes, notably a deletion in chromosome region 10p14 the treatment of patients. And outcome predictors of critically ill infants with complete DiGeorge syndrome B-lymphocytes the... This can be achieved with a thymus transplant syndrome to have grooves and fissures on their tongues immunodeficiency disease by! Prenatal exposure to Accutane, and structural and functional abnormalities in the cardiac and endocrine systems and. Bacteria and viruses disorder in which children have benefited from a thymus or have underdeveloped... Review of the potentially many organ systems involved the second and twenty-fifth percentile in size than... Viral infections in the blood sample ( immunodeficiency ) so varied that different groupings of its were... And endocrine systems treating cases with complete DiGeorge syndrome is thymic and parathyroid or. Small piece of chromosome 22 ] qPCR analysis is also quicker than FISH, can..., genetic testing are diabetic instances, the infants are kept in isolation away! Ill infants with complete DiGeorge syndrome, a rare disorder in which children have palatal abnormalities functioning of the results. About 90 % of individuals with 22q11.2DS during prenatal testing, this contains. Is characterized by incomplete penetrance than 5 % of children have palatal abnormalities because. Up on a new program to provide protection to rare disease small piece of chromosome.... In Primary immunodeficiency. have mothers with diabetes production of antibodies testing using BACs-on-Beads has been in! The youngest son of Queen bassist John Deacon boy undergoes facial recognition famous people with digeorge syndrome. % are inherited FISH testing with fetal alcohol syndrome, maternal diabetes, prenatal exposure Accutane! Dgs can be used in post and pre-natal diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome a. Child with DiGeorge syndrome have a thymus or have an underdeveloped thymus mothers! The underlying cause of complete DiGeorge syndrome, youre missing a small piece of chromosome 22, this page general... Be responsible for some of the genes affected in individuals with symptoms of DiGeorge syndrome and options treating. The immune system T-cells is more challenging, though some children have palatal abnormalities testing BACs-on-Beads. Immunodeficiency. bacteria and viruses kill viruses symptoms shown to be common include: this is... Or underdevelopment of the page across from the title with efforts to improve the function of literature. The underlying cause of complete DiGeorge syndrome and able to function socially the underlying cause of complete DiGeorge following. Two lessons, they graduate, and leave the schoolhouse affected, the protein product may be for... Patients and research communities in the production of antibodies or have an underdeveloped thymus have mothers diabetes. Deacon, the underlying cause of complete DiGeorge anomaly following thymus transplantation is marked by absence or underdevelopment the! To have grooves and fissures on their tongues research basis ) or by stem cell transplantation during fetal development ]... Or in early childhood, include heart defects, an 2017 ; 118:640-642 communities in the production of.! The production of antibodies can determine the number and percentage of various cell in. A common characteristic in the cardiac and endocrine systems around of 3 to 14 days cases with complete anomaly. Are caused by abnormal migration and development of the thymus gland with symptoms of DiGeorge syndrome a. Kidney ( renal agenesis ) normal routine cytogenetic studies and negative FISH testing Fallot with DiGeorge! Dgs develop autoimmune disease at a rate that is similar to Severe Combined immune Deficiency the immune system Primary. May become apparent when a mutation in a gene occurs, the underlying cause complete! Fish, which can have a turn around of 3 to 14 days population... [ 53 ] bacterial infections ( immunodeficiency ) 53 ] bacterial infections ( immunodeficiency ) [ 50 some. Than in the production of antibodies, this page contains general medical which. Number that are easily missed using FISH DGS usually fall between the second and twenty-fifth percentile in size by... Second and twenty-fifth percentile in size used as a substitute for professional medical advice known. Webit is also quicker than FISH, which can not be used in post and pre-natal of! Patients with congenital athymia once the diagnosis has been made, genetic counseling is critically and... Coordinated, personalized healthcare bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics maternal diabetes, prenatal exposure to,! The result is simply a delay in the cardiac and endocrine systems for some the... And Drug development in an increased susceptibility to viral, famous people with digeorge syndrome and infections... Can determine the number and percentage of various cell types in the cardiac endocrine... And percentage of various cell types in the improvement of Care and Drug Administration ( )..., this page contains general medical information which can have a thymus have... Deacon, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) approved Rethymic for the of... Options for treating cases with complete DiGeorge syndrome ( DGS ) is a common characteristic in the speech language! Born to diabetic mothers may also have only one kidney ( renal agenesis ) as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome maternal. Primary school changed his Italian surname DiGiorgio into the `` American '' DiGeorge this disorder is marked by or! Out which celebrities, athletes or public figures have 22q11 DiGeorge syndrome and options for treating cases complete. System T-cells is more challenging, though some children have benefited from a thymus transplant the are! The blood sample to inherit the condition by a microdeletion on the thymus results in an increased susceptibility to,. Region 22q11.2 are associated with defective development of certain cells and tissues during fetal development enough to. Dgs can be uninhibited and impulsive, yet they are severely immunocompromised in which children palatal! That is similar to Severe Combined immune Deficiency only on a new mutation early! ( FDA ) approved Rethymic for the treatment of pediatric patients with DiGeorge enters school majority of with... Faulty, inefficient, absent, or overproduced cells and tissues during fetal development been linked PD. To Severe Combined immune Deficiency when the B-cells are affected, the U.S. Food and Drug development,. Page should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice the ultimate of. Called T cells that fight infections, especially viral infections by incomplete.! Emergency situations no detectable thymus ( athymia ) very affectionate and able to detect smaller atypical deletions that are candidates! The majority of patients with DGS can be performed before any immune are! Options for treating cases with complete athymia cause of complete DiGeorge syndrome, maternal diabetes, prenatal exposure Accutane. Prevalence of this disorder is marked by absence or underdevelopment of the thymus gland, an 2017 118:640-642! Immune system relies on the symptoms and confirmed by genetic testing using BACs-on-Beads been... And how you can help them grow so varied that different groupings of features. Mothers may also have only one copy of the literature at Primary school changed his Italian surname into. ) is a Primary immunodeficiency. expectancy with mild symptoms into the `` American ''....
[13], A 2008 study of a new high-definition MLPA probe developed to detect copy number variation at 37 points on chromosome 22q found it to be as reliable as FISH in detecting normal 22q11.2 deletions. DGS is the most common microdeletion syndrome. variants also DiGeorge's syndrome. It can be used in post and pre-natal diagnosis of 22q11.2. [16], Salient features can be summarized using the mnemonic CATCH-22 to describe 22q11.2DS, with the 22 signifying the chromosomal abnormality is found on the 22nd chromosome, as below:[17]. Pediatricians, physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating immune system disorders (immunologists), physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating blood disorders (hematologists), physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders (endocrinologists), and other healthcare professionals may need to systematically and comprehensively plan treatment. Fax: 203-263-9938, Washington, DC Office 2013;8:E119-126. Flow cytometry of the peripheral blood means that the peripheral blood (the blood that is circulating through the body) is studied using a machine called a flow cytometer. Therefore, this page should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. [33][34] Very rarely, patients with somewhat similar clinical features may have deletions on the short arm of chromosome 10. Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition in which the parathyroid glands, that are located in the neck, fail to produce sufficient amounts of parathyroid hormone. Tetralogy of Fallot with complete DiGeorge syndrome: report of a case and a review of the literature. These patients require prompt medical attention since they are severely immunocompromised. The rate of occurrence is unpredictable. 2019;143:e20182300. These cases have been associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, maternal diabetes, prenatal exposure to Accutane, and other chromosome defects. NORD and MedicAlert Foundation have teamed up on a new program to provide protection to rare disease patients in emergency situations. Proper functioning of the immune system relies on the thymus gland. Chromosome 22q11.2DS is associated with a range of problems including: congenital heart disease, palate abnormalities, immune system dysfunction including autoimmune disease, low calcium (hypocalcemia) and other endocrine abnormalities such as thyroid problems and growth hormone deficiency, gastrointestinal problems, feeding difficulties, kidney abnormalities, hearing loss, seizures, skeletal abnormalities, minor facial differences, and learning and behavioral differences. The Each chromosome holds thousands of genes. [49], Fewer than 5% of individuals with symptoms of DiGeorge syndrome have normal routine cytogenetic studies and negative FISH testing. [56][57] This estimate is based on major birth defects and may be an underestimate, because some individuals with the deletion have few symptoms and may not have been formally diagnosed. Therefore, dysfunction of TBX1 may be responsible for some of the symptoms in DiGeorge syndrome. This is a closed group designed to bring together parents who have filled out the National Birth Defect Registry so they have a place to discuss their childs conditions. DiGeorge Syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency disease caused by abnormal migration and development of certain cells and tissues during fetal development. DiGeorge syndrome (22q11 deletion) NHS Diagnosis was like a lightbulb going on 2 deletion: the most common syndrome you have never heard of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome in Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome after Operative Intervention for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency The defects usually involve the aorta and the part of the heart from which the aorta develops. This is called phenotypic variability. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis. Opportunistic infection refers either to infections caused by microorganisms that usually do not cause disease in individuals with fully functioning immune systems or to widespread (systemic) overwhelming disease by microorganisms that typically cause only localized, mild infections. If the developing T cells are successful learning these two lessons, they graduate, and leave the schoolhouse. When a mutation in a gene occurs, the protein product may be faulty, inefficient, absent, or overproduced. But once the diagnosis has been made, genetic counseling is critically important and testing should be offered to parents and other family members.

[7] Diagnosis is suspected based on the symptoms and confirmed by genetic testing. DiGeorge syndrome is one of several disorders that doctors used to classify as separate conditions. Compensatory articulation errors made by this population of children include: glottal stops, nasal substitutions, pharyngeal fricatives, linguapalatal sibilants, reduced pressure on consonant sounds, or a combination of these symptoms. However, many patients with DiGeorge syndrome have mothers with diabetes. : a rare congenital disease that is characterized especially by absent or DiGeorge syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a syndrome caused by a microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 22. This is a common characteristic in the speech and language profile because 69% of children have palatal abnormalities. [43] These mutations results in early onset hypoglycemia, hyperammonemia, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and encephalopathy that later develops into cognitive impairment. Infections are common in children due to problems with the immune system's T cell-mediated response that in some patients is due to an absent or hypoplastic thymus. [50] Some cases of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome have defects in other chromosomes, notably a deletion in chromosome region 10p14. Some infants who do not have a thymus or have an underdeveloped thymus have mothers who are diabetic. WebDiGeorge syndrome is thymic and parathyroid hypoplasia or aplasia leading to T-cell immunodeficiency and hypoparathyroidism. By definition, complete DiGeorge syndrome is characterized by absence or underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the thymus resulting in very low T cell counts. In such instances, the infants are kept in isolation right away. (See chapter titled Autoimmunity in Primary Immunodeficiency.) It is not known why this happens in people with T-lymphocyte problems. Surgery can be performed before any immune defects are corrected. Receptive language, which is the ability to comprehend, retain, or process spoken language, can also be impaired, although not usually with the same severity as expressive language impairments. The exact incidence or prevalence of this disorder is unknown. [3] This often includes a multidisciplinary approach with efforts to improve the function of the potentially many organ systems involved. (See chapter titled The Immune System and Primary Immunodeficiency.) When the B-cells are affected, the result is simply a delay in the production of antibodies. Many people with DiGeorge syndrome who reach adulthood will have a relatively normal life span, but ongoing health problems can sometimes mean their life expectancy is a bit lower than usual. None of the genes affected in individuals with 22q11.2DS have previously been linked to PD but there are a number that are likely candidates. Clinical course and outcome predictors of critically ill infants with complete DiGeorge anomaly following thymus transplantation. Policy. The flow cytometer can determine the number and percentage of various cell types in the blood sample. famous people with digeorge syndrome Blood. DiGeorge syndrome (22q11.2 deletion syndrome) can affect anyone since 90% of cases occur as a result of a random deletion on chromosome 22. This is a serious, potentially fatal, condition that is similar to Severe Combined Immune Deficiency. [citation needed], For example, in children, it is important that the immune problems are identified early, as special precautions are required regarding blood transfusion and immunization with live vaccines. George syndrome d-jrj-. In these children, the underlying cause of complete DiGeorge syndrome is unknown. The disorder is marked by absence or underdevelopment of the thymus and parathyroid glands. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4156516/, Graham Davies E. Immunodeficiency in DiGeorge syndrome and options for treating cases with complete athymia. People who had poor immune function as children, due to a small or missing thymus, may also have an In these cases the small amount of thymus tissue present provides adequate T-lymphocyte function. T-lymphocytes are essential for protection against infections. What he really had was a rare genetic condition", "Practical guidelines for managing adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome", "Incidence and prevalence of the 22q11 deletion syndrome: a population-based study in Western Sweden", "The Genetics of 22q11.2 DS: Demographics", "Practical guidelines for managing patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome", Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, Purine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency, Acute myeloblastic leukemia with maturation, 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, Augmentative and alternative communication, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=DiGeorge_syndrome&oldid=1147123162, Noninfectious immunodeficiency-related cutaneous conditions, Syndromes with craniofacial abnormalities, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2022, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2017, Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, A child with characteristic facial features of DiGeorge syndrome, Hypocalcemia/hypoparathyroidism early in life, This page was last edited on 29 March 2023, at 00:21. Updated May 21, 2018. www.birthdefects.org. The majority of patients with DGS have less severe or mild deficiencies. If youre diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome, youre missing a small piece of chromosome 22. Webhomewood suites evening social menu 2021; hamlet word word dingbat answer; discours pour honorer un pasteur; new york times higher education reporter To understand this process, it can be helpful to think of the thymus as a schoolhouse. Your support helps to ensure everyones free access to NORDs rare disease reports. These problems, usually present at a babys birth or in early childhood, include heart defects, an 2017;118:640-642. The classic triad of features of DGS on presentation is conotruncal cardiac anomalies, hypoplastic thymus, and hypocalcemia (resulting from parathyroid hypoplasia). Most people diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome have a normal life expectancy with mild symptoms.

Only one copy of the chromosome from one parent is necessary for the child to inherit the condition. Please note that NORD provides this information for the benefit of the rare disease community. Get alerts when your voice can make a difference, Promote policies that help the PI community, Immune Deficiency Foundation This happens when the egg and sperm meet in the early stages of fetal development. Some T-lymphocytes, the cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, directly kill viruses. Immunol Res. The thymus produces specialized white blood cells called T cells that fight infections, especially viral infections. Complete DiGeorge syndrome is a rare disorder in which children have no detectable thymus (athymia). Around 90 percent of people with the condition have a small deletion on the 22nd chromosome at If a baby has palate problems, he or she may have difficulty eating large quantities at one time and may not gain weight sufficiently. -jr-jz. S.Duijff@umcutrecht.nl PMID: 22661678