Living with Leukocyte adhesion deficiency
A rare inherited immune condition that leads to repeated infections and slow separation of the umbilical cord.
Understanding Leukocyte adhesion deficiency
People have repeated infections and a high white blood cell count. A late-falling umbilical cord is a common early sign. Signs appear in infancy and childhood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Delayed separation of the umbilical cord
- Repeated bacterial infections
- Repeated fungal infections, such as oral thrush
- High white blood cell count
- Inflamed gums (gingivitis)
- Repeated skin and ear infections
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include allergy and immune system specialists, eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Immune Deficiency Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Allergy and immune system specialists (allergists / immunologists); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Immune Deficiency Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Jeffrey Modell Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive). GARD does not name a gene for this general listing.
Also known as: congenital leukocyte adherence deficiency; lad
Patient organizations
- Jeffrey Modell FoundationLeukocyte adhesion deficiency · United States
- Immune Deficiency FoundationPrimary immunodeficiency · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Leukocyte adhesion deficiency.
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