Dupilumab treatment of trichothiodystrophy in a child.

Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a rare congenital disorder caused by genetic mutations, leading to hair and skin abnormalities. We report successful treatment of a TTD case using dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4Rα. The patient, a 7-year-old boy, exhibited significant improvement in skin and hair conditions, suggesting the potential of dupilumab as a therapeutic option for TTD. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanism and efficacy in TTD treatment.

Ocular phenotype and therapeutic interventions in keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To report ocular manifestations, clinical course, and therapeutic management of patients with molecular genetically confirmed keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome. METHODS: Four patients, aged 19 to 46, with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome from across the UK were recruited for a general and ocular examination and GJB2 (Cx26) mutational analysis. The ocular examination included best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp bio-microscopy, and ocular surface assessment. Mutational analysis of the coding region of GJB2 (Cx26) was performed by bidirectional Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: All four individuals had the characteristic systemic features of keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome. Each patient was found to have a missense mutation, resulting in the substitution of aspartic acid with asparagine at codon 50 (p.D50N). Main ophthalmic features were vascularizing keratopathy, ocular surface disease, hyperkeratotic lid lesions, recurrent epithelial defects, and corneal stromal scarring. One patient had multiple surgical procedures, including superficial keratectomies and lamellar keratoplasty, which failed to prevent severe visual loss. In contrast, oral therapy with ketoconazole stabilized the corneal and skin disease in two other patients with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome. The patient who underwent intracorneal bevacizumab injection showed a marked reduction in corneal vascularization following a single application. CONCLUSIONS: Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome is a rare ectodermal dysplasia caused by heterozygous mutations in GJB2 (Cx26) with a severe, progressive vascularizing keratopathy. Oral ketoconazole therapy may offer benefit in stabilizing the corneal and skin disease.

Extensive dental caries and periodontal disease in a child with GATA2 deficiency.

Background: GATA2 deficiency is an inborn error of immunity (IEI) characterized by infectious susceptibility and increased risk of myelodysplasia leading to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Oral anomalies already described in this disorder include recurrent viral and fungal infections and oral ulcers. Material and Methods: We report a 9-year-old girl presenting with AML with myelodysplasia-related changes, monosomy 7 karyotype on marrow aspirate, numerous flat warts on her hands and multiple dental caries at oral cavity inspection. Dental evaluation and genetic testing (Sanger sequencing) for GATA2 were carried out considering the peculiar clinical presentation. Results: Dental evaluation showed extensive caries and periodontal disease, while genetic studies revealed a known c.1009 C>T (p.Arg337X) mutation in GATA2. After multidisciplinary discussion, affected teeth were extracted before chemotherapy, in general anaesthesia, together with scaling and root planning of the alveolar sockets. Subsequently, the patient underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from her HLA-matched GATA2 wild-type sibling, who did not bear any dental anomalies. No dento-alveolar infections were encountered during post-chemotherapy aplasia. Conclusions: This case first describes the association between GATA2 deficiency and extensive dental caries with periodontal disease, highlighting the importance of an early dental evaluation and intervention in children with leukaemia. Key words:GATA2 deficiency, Inborn errors of immunity, teeth, dental decay, multidisciplinary approach.

Dermatological findings in Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome.

Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome is a rare congenital multisystem syndrome inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern caused by mutations in CREBBP and EP300 genes in approximately 60% and 10% respectively. These genes encode two highly evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitously expressed, and homologous lysine-acetyltransferases, that are involved in number of basic cellular activities, such as DNA repair, cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, apoptosis of cells, and tumor suppression. It is mainly characterized by global developmental delay, moderate to severe intellectual disability, postnatal retardation, microcephaly, skeletal anomalies including broad/short, angled thumbs and/or large first toes, short stature, and dysmorphic facial features. There is an increased risk to develop tumors mainly meningiomas and pilomatrixomas, without a clear genotype-phenotype correlation. Although not considered as characteristic manifestations, numerous cutaneous anomalies have also been reported in patients with this entity. Both susceptibility to the formation of keloids and pilomatricomas are the most often associated cutaneous features. In this review, we discuss the genetics, diagnosis, and clinical features in Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome with a review of the major dermatological manifestations.

Challenges in Communicating a Genetic Diagnosis.

Communicating the diagnosis of a genetic entity/rare disease to a patient or their parents is a complex process; it requires the doctor, pediatrician, or geneticist to display good communication skills and knowledge in a moment of uncertainty and disorientation for the family group, and sometimes in an inappropriate environment or under time constraints [...].

Next generation sequencing panel target genes: possible diagnostic tool for ectodermal dysplasia related diseases.

BACKGROUND: Ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) are a large and complex group of disorders affecting the ectoderm-derived organs; the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of these conditions renders an accurate diagnosis more challenging. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the clinical utility of a targeted resequencing panel through enhancing the molecular and clinical diagnosis of EDs. Given the recent developments in gene and protein-based therapies for X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, there is a re-emerging interest in identifying the genetic basis of EDs and the respective phenotypic presentations, in an aim to facilitate potential treatments for affected families. METHODS: We assessed seventeen individuals, from three unrelated families, who presented with diverse phenotypes suggestive of ED. An extensive multidisciplinary clinical evaluation was performed followed by a targeted exome resequencing panel (including genes that are known to cause EDs). MiSeqTM data software was used, variants with Qscore >30 were accepted. RESULTS: Three different previously reported hemizygous EDA mutations were found in the families. However, a complete genotype-phenotype correlation could not be established, neither in our patients nor in the previously reported patients. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted exome resequencing can provide a rapid and accurate diagnosis of EDs, while further contributing to the existing ED genetic data. Moreover, the identification of the disease-causing mutation in an affected family is crucial for proper genetic counseling and the establishment of a genotype-phenotype correlation which will subsequently provide the affected individuals with a more suitable treatment plan.

A Severe Case of Spondylometaphyseal Dysplasia Algerian Type with Two Mutations in COL2A1.

Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia Algerian type (MIM no.: 184253) is an uncommon autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia caused by heterozygous mutations in the COL2A1 gene (MIM no.: 120140). In this case based review, we reported a 5-year-old boy with short stature, severe dorsolumbar scoliosis, lumbar hyperlordosis, short trunk, and severe genu valgum . Radiological examination showed platyspondyly, irregular metaphyseal radiolucencies intermingled with radiodensities, and corner fractures. The patient has a c.3275G > A; p.Gly1092Asp mutation in exon 47 of the COL2A1 gene and a variant of unknown significance in c.1366-13C > A in intron 21. This latter sequence variant could partially or completely disrupt the natural splice acceptor site of intron 21/exon 22 in the COL2A1 gene leading to a potential modification of the phenotypic severity.

Extended Overview of Ocular Phenotype with Recent Advances in Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia.

The term ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) describes a heterogeneous group of inherited developmental disorders that affect several tissues of ectodermal origin. The most common form of EDs is hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), which is characterized by hypodontia, hypotrichosis, and partial or total eccrine sweat gland deficiency. HED is estimated to affect at least 1 in 17,000 people worldwide. Patients with HED have characteristic facies with periorbital hyperpigmentation, depressed nasal bridge, malar hypoplasia, and absent or sparse eyebrows and eyelashes. The common ocular features of HED include madarosis, trichiasis, and ocular chronic surface disease due to dry eye syndrome, which manifests clinically with discomfort, photophobia, and redness. Dry eye is common in HED and results from a combination of ocular surface defects: mucus abnormalities (abnormal conjunctival mucinous glands), aqueous tear deficiency (abnormalities in the lacrimal gland) and lipid deficiency (due to the partial or total absence of the meibomian glands; modified sebaceous glands with the tarsal plate). Sight-threatening complications result from ocular surface disease, including corneal ulceration and perforation with subsequent corneal scarring and neovascularization. Rare ocular features have been reported and include bilateral or unilateral congenital cataracts, bilateral glaucoma, chorioretinal atrophy and atresia of the nasolacrimal duct. Recognition of the ocular manifestations of HED is required to perform clinical surveillance, instigate supportive and preventative treatment, and manage ocular complications.

Pathophysiology, Management and Quality of Life in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis-A Challenge for Patients and Their Families.

In this Special Issue of Children, we present two articles: one detailing the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis and highlighting recommendationsin regard to the implications for management in children [...].

Multisystemic Manifestations in Rare Diseases: The Experience of Dyskeratosis Congenita.

Dyskeratosis congenital (DC) is the first genetic syndrome described among telomeropathies. Its classical phenotype is characterized by the mucocutaneous triad of reticulated pigmentation of skin lace, nail dystrophy and oral leukoplakia. The clinical presentation, however, is heterogeneous and serious clinical complications include bone marrow failure, hematological and solid tumors. It may also involve immunodeficiencies, dental, pulmonary and liver disorders, and other minor complication. Dyskeratosis congenita shows marked genetic heterogeneity, as at least 14 genes are responsible for the shortening of telomeres characteristic of this disease. This review discusses clinical characteristics, molecular genetics, disease evolution, available therapeutic options and differential diagnosis of dyskeratosis congenita to provide an interdisciplinary and personalized medical assessment that includes family genetic counseling.

Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Management.

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a rare, heterogeneous, and complex neurodevelopmental disorder. It is generally caused by a heterozygous microdeletion of contiguous genes located in the distal portion of the long arm of chromosome 22, including the SHANK3 gene. Sequence variants of SHANK3, including frameshift, nonsense mutations, small indels and splice site mutations also result in PMS. Furthermore, haploinsufficiency in SHANK3 has been suggested as the main cause of PMS. SHANK3 is also associated with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The phenotype of PMS is variable, and lacks a distinctive phenotypic characteristic, so the clinical diagnosis should be confirmed by genetic analysis. PMS is a multi-system disorder, and clinical care must encompass various specialties and therapists. The role of risperidone, intranasal insulin, insulin growth factor 1, and oxytocin as potential therapeutic options in PMS will be discussed in this review. The diagnosis of PMS is important to provide an appropriate clinical evaluation, treatment, and genetic counseling.

Dental and Periodontal Care at the Bedside Using a Portable Dental Unit in Hospitalized Special Needs Patients: The Experience of an Italian Pediatric Hospital.

Patients with special needs (SNPs) include individuals who are disabled due to physical limitations, medical complications, developmental problems, and cognitive impairments. SNPs may be at an increased risk of oral diseases throughout their lifetime. These patients have difficulties in accessing traditional dental studios or clinics. Moreover, orodental problems may cause local and generalized infections, leading to worrisome complications when not properly treated. In this paper, we describe the preliminary experience of treating dental problems in a series of nine hospitalized patients with special needs. This innovative protocol at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (Rome, Italy) provides an introduction to a portable dental unit in order to perform oral care for hospitalized patients at the bedside. A multidisciplinary team composed of pediatric dentists, dental hygienists, nursing staff, and the patient's case manager was involved in the operative protocol. The SNPs described were affected by congenital heart or oncohematological diseases and neurodisabilities, and they were all hospitalized for different reasons: Open heart surgery, chemotherapy, organ transplantation, and rehabilitation. The oral evaluation was mandatory for ruling out or treating problems that could cause complications. Dental extractions, caries and fracture fillings, sealing, and oral hygiene procedures were performed at the bedside of the patients in the reference unit of their pediatric hospital. The results of this protocol confirm the feasibility of dental procedures at patients' bedside with portable dental units, encourage implementation of their use, and may represent an actionable model for oral care management in hospitalized SNPs.

Ectodermal Dysplasia-Syndactyly Syndrome with Toe-Only Minimal Syndactyly Due to a Novel Mutation in NECTIN4: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Ectodermal dysplasia-syndactyly syndrome 1 (EDSS1) is characterized by cutaneous syndactyly of the toes and fingers and abnormalities of the hair and teeth, variably associated with nail dystrophy and palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK). EDSS1 is caused by biallelic mutations in the NECTIN4 gene, encoding the adherens junction component nectin-4. Nine EDSS1 cases have been described to date. We report a 5.5-year-old female child affected with EDSS1 due to the novel homozygous frameshift mutation c.1150delC (p.Gln384ArgfsTer7) in the NECTIN4 gene. The patient presents brittle scalp hair, sparse eyebrows and eyelashes, widely spaced conical teeth and dental agenesis, as well as toenail dystrophy and mild PPK. She has minimal proximal syndactyly limited to toes 2-3, which makes the phenotype of our patient peculiar as the overt involvement of both fingers and toes is typical of EDSS1. All previously described mutations are located in the nectin-4 extracellular portion, whereas p.Gln384ArgfsTer7 occurs within the cytoplasmic domain of the protein. This mutation is predicted to affect the interaction with afadin, suggesting that impaired afadin activation is sufficient to determine EDSS1. Our case, which represents the first report of a NECTIN4 mutation with toe-only minimal syndactyly, expands the phenotypic and molecular spectrum of EDSS1.

Membranous aplasia cutis congenita in trisomy 18.

BACKGROUND: Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a rare congenital condition characterized by the absence of skin layers and sometimes other underlying structures, in a localized or widespread area. The exact etiopathogenesis is not yet completely understood. Membranous ACC (MACC) also described as bullous or cystic ACC is a clinical subtype of ACC, covered with a membranous or glistening surface, and appears as a flat scar. There are less than 20 cases reported in the literature. It has been proposed an abortive form of a defective closure of the neural tube. On the other hand, the trisomy 18 is a chromosomal abnormality characterized by a broad clinical spectrum and the presence of defective closure of the neural tube. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on an 18-months-old Venezuelan boy, who presented on the parietal scalp a distinctive localized MACC appearing as an oval lesion covered with a membranous surface, characterized by the absence of hairs and the presence of a sharp hair collar. The karyotype in peripheral blood was 47,XY,+ 18. CONCLUSIONS: This is the second case report of ACC in trisomy 18 and reinforces the interpretation of a non-fortuitous association as well as of a defective closure of the neural tube as pathogenetic mechanism. The case highlights the importance of examining for dermatological alterations such as ACC in cases of chromosomopathy.