Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a relatively uncommon inherited disorder that mainly affects lung, ears and nose. It could also have effects on other body systems including heart and circulatory system.
The Leicester Royal Infirmary hosts one of the three national diagnostic centers and one of the four national management centers for PCD in children and adults. These services are commissioned directly by NHS England.
The PCD diagnostic service carries out the full range of diagnostic investigations to confirm or rule out PCD. It receives referrals from central England and north of England.
The Central England PCD management service oversees patients across central and east England covering the Midlands and areas such as: Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.
What is Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia?
The airways (including nose, middle ear, windpipe) are lined by cells that have tiny mobile hairs called cilia which help to remove mucus and debris by rhythmic beating. Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia is an inherited, long-term condition caused by an abnormality in the movement of cilia. These cilia either do not beat, beat irregularly or rarely do not exist at all and in these individuals, the mucus does not get moved on. The build up of mucus in the chest increases the likelihood of infections and possibly more detrimental consequences. It can lead to hearing loss and constantly blocked or runny nose. Many patients with PCD also commonly have other conditions such as situs-inverus and dextrocardia (heart on the right side of the body). It can also predispose to infertility.
Useful Links
PCD Family Support Group
Central England PCD Management Service (Children's)
Central England PCD Management Service (Adult's)
PCD Diagnostics Service
