WAS occurs most often in males due to its X-linked recessive pattern of inheritance, affecting between 1 to 10 males per million. The first signs are usually petechiae and bruising, resulting from a low platelet count (i.e. thrombocytopenia). Spontaneous nose bleeds and bloody diarrhea are also common and eczema typically develops within the first month of life. Recurrent bacterial infections typically develop by three months of age. The majority of children with WAS develop at least one autoimmune disorder, and cancers (mainly lymphoma and leukemia) develop in up to a third of patients. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels are reduced, IgA and IgE are elevated, and IgG levels can be normal, reduced, or elevated. In addition to thrombocytopenia, WAS patients have abnormally small platelets (i.e. microthrombocytes) and ~30% also have elevated eosinophil counts (i.e. eosinophilia).
Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome
Common variable immunodeficiency
Chronic granulomatous disease
Severe combined immunodeficiency
SAPHO syndrome
Hyper-IgM syndrome type 5
Ataxia–telangiectasia
Hyper-IgM syndrome type 2