Immunodeficiency |
At short telomere syndrome diagnosis, consider the following: • Lymphocyte subsets • Immunoglobulin levels (infants and where otherwise indicated clinically) Management of severe immunodeficiency: • Refer to center with experience in allogeneic stem cell transplant in patients with short telomere syndromes • Consultation with infectious disease specialist when indicated |
Hepatopulmonary syndrome |
At short telomere syndrome diagnosis: • Regular (1-2 y) history and physical examination to assess for symptoms and check for digital clubbing Diagnostic evaluation of dyspnea: • Agitated saline echocardiogram • Pulmonary function test with DLCO and assess for discordance with spirometry Management: • Refer to experienced liver transplant center |
Telomere-related lung disease |
At short telomere syndrome diagnosis: • Educate and counsel patients to seek attention for symptoms of dyspnea/cough • Discuss risks and benefits of high-resolution CT of the chest in asymptomatic individuals aged >40 y • Counsel on avoidance of environmental toxins (smoking) and oxygen (iatrogenic during elective procedures) Management: • Refer to pulmonologist with experience with telomere disorders • Avoid immunosuppression as therapeutic strategy • Evaluate for lung transplant at experienced center when patient is eligible |