Disease Directory Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Respiratory

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

Also known as: PCD, immotile cilia syndrome, Kartagener syndrome

Prevalence

Approximately 1 in 10,000–20,000 live births

Onset

Neonatal / Early childhood

Type

Rare autosomal recessive ciliopathy

Gene

DNAI1, DNAH5, DNAH11 (multiple)

About Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a genetically heterogeneous disorder caused by defects in the structure or function of motile cilia, impairing mucociliary clearance throughout the airways, sinuses, and reproductive tract. Approximately 50% of patients have situs inversus (Kartagener syndrome) due to randomised organ lateralisation during embryogenesis. The disease leads to chronic sino-pulmonary infections and progressive bronchiectasis if not managed aggressively.

Common Clinical Features

Neonatal respiratory distress Chronic productive cough from infancy Recurrent sinusitis and otitis media Bronchiectasis Situs inversus or heterotaxy (in ~50%) Male infertility due to immotile sperm Reduced nasal nitric oxide

Clinical Trial Eligibility Tips

What to know before applying to Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia trials.

Genetic confirmation or nasal nitric oxide measurement below accepted thresholds is commonly required for enrolment; gather diagnostic test results before applying.

Many trials stratify by specific gene mutation (e.g., DNAI1 vs. DNAH5); confirm your genotype with a certified genetics laboratory.

Some studies require a stable pulmonary status for 4–6 weeks prior to enrolment, so avoid applying during an active exacerbation.

Patient Resources

Patient Organization

PCD Foundation

Visit website ↗

Natural History Registry

BESTCILIA PCD Registry

Join registry ↗

Orphanet

European reference resource for rare diseases (ORPHA:244)

View on Orphanet ↗

NORD

National Organization for Rare Disorders

Search NORD ↗

Find recruiting Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia trials

Search 500,000+ studies from ClinicalTrials.gov, filtered for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Updated daily.

Related Rare Diseases