Successful treatment of liver abscesses with corticosteroids and antibiotics in an infant with chronic granulomatous disease

Liver abscesses occur in up to one-third of patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Surgery has traditionally been considered the cornerstone of management. Emerging reports in older children and adults, however, have demonstrated successful treatment of CGD-related liver abscesses with corticosteroids and antibiotics alone. We describe the safe and effective use of corticosteroids and antibiotics for CGD-related liver abscesses in an infant with X-linked CGD who had high surgical risk for hepatic resection. Medical management was started at 11 months of age and the abscesses resolved without requiring any subsequent invasive surgical procedures. This case report highlights that corticosteroids and antibiotics may be considered in the management of CGD-related liver abscesses in the infant age group, especially when surgical management is not an option. Keywords: Chronic granulomatous disease, Liver abscess, Corticosteroid

Nutrition and Immunity: perspectives on key issues and next steps

In January 2022 a group of experts came together to discuss current perspectives and future directions in nutritional immunology as part of a symposium organized by the Canadian Nutrition Society. Objectives included (1) creating an understanding of the complex interplay between diet and the immune system from infants through to older adults; (2) illustrating the role of micronutrients that are vital to the immune system; (3) learning about current research comparing the impact of various dietary patterns and novel approaches to reduce inflammation, autoimmune conditions, allergies, and infections; and (4) discussing select dietary recommendations aimed at improving disease specific immune function. The aims of this review are to summarize the symposium and to identify key areas of research that require additional exploration to better understand the dynamic relationship between nutrition and immune function