Treatment of hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma: a review by analysis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: No specific or curative therapy exists for hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma (hPPK), which can profoundly alter patient quality of life, leading sometimes to severe functional impairment and pain. The rarity and the aetiological diversity of this group of disorders can explain the difficulty in comparing the efficacy of available treatments. OBJECTIVES: To review the different treatments tried in patients with hPPK since 2008, their efficacy and safety, with an evaluation of the various therapeutic modalities that can be used to treat hPPK. METHODS: We undertook a comprehensive review of the literature data published since 2008. RESULTS: Only a few case series and individual case reports were identified. Topical (emollients, keratolytics, retinoids, steroids) and systemic treatments (mostly different retinoids), often combined, are used to relieve symptoms. Oral retinoids appear to be the most efficient treatment, but not in all PPK forms, and with variable tolerance. New targeted treatments, according to the specific mechanisms of hPPK, appear promising for the future. CONCLUSIONS: More studies using robust methodology and involving larger cohorts of well-characterized patients (phenotype-genotype) are necessary and should be prioritized by structured networks, such as the European Network for Rare Skin Diseases (ERN-Skin), with the aim of better management of patients with rare skin diseases.

Recessive mosaicism in ABCA12 causes blaschkoid congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma.

We report the unique case of a 3-year-old girl who presented with linear erythematosquamous lesions following the lines of Blaschko, suggestive of genetic mosaicism in the skin. Single-candidate gene analyses were performed on DNA from blood, excluding Conradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome, erythrokeratodermia variabilis and a mosaic presentation of pityriasis rubra pilaris. With whole-exome sequencing (WES) on DNA from the patient's blood, a heterozygous missense mutation in exon 25 of the ABCA12 gene was detected. By manually scrutinizing the WES data, another low-percentage pathogenic frameshift mutation was found in the adjacent exon 26 of the same gene. This frameshift mutation was confirmed with Sanger sequencing in DNA isolated from a lesional skin biopsy. A subsequent cloning experiment was performed to prove that the patient is compound heterozygous for both mutations in the affected skin, explaining the blaschkoid ichthyosiform erythrodermic phenotype. The patient's phenotype was elucidated by the combination of a germline mutation and an acquired postzygotic mutation in ABCA12, resulting in the diagnosis of a mosaic manifestation of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis. Postzygotic compound allelic loss in autosomal recessive disorders is extremely rare and will not appear as the typical phenotype of the known germline mutation-associated disease. This is the first report of a proven biallelic mosaic presentation of an autosomal recessive genodermatosis, and we propose the term 'recessive mosaicism' for this kind of manifestation. What's already know about this topic? Specific mutations in the ABCA12 lipid transporter are known to cause different phenotypes like harlequin ichthyosis, congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma and lamellar ichthyosis. In mosaicism, two or more cell populations that are genetically different arise postzygotically in the developing embryo. In the skin, mosaicism can present itself in different patterns of affected skin, often caused by a dominant genetic mutation. What does this study add? We report a unique patient with blaschkoid congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma due to biallelic mutations, one inherited germline missense mutation and the other a postzygotic frameshift mutation in the ABCA12 gene. This study describes the diagnostic approach and applied research that can be used if one encounters a similar diagnostic dilemma with manifestations suspected for genetic mosaicism. We propose the term 'recessive mosaicism' for this kind of mosaic presentation of an autosomal recessive genodermatosis.

Schnitzler's syndrome - a novel hypothesis of a shared pathophysiologic mechanism with Waldenström's disease.

Schnitzler's syndrome is an auto-inflammatory disorder which is characterized by two mandatory features: an urticarial rash and a monoclonal gammopathy. Although the pathophysiology of this syndrome is not yet fully understood, a role for interleukin-1 seems apparent. While this presumed link between interleukin-1 and the monoclonal gammopathy is not yet elucidated, a mutual factor in pathophysiology however seems likely. Here we present a novel hypothesis of a shared pathophysiologic mechanism between Schitzler's syndrome and monoclonal gammopathy.

Management of congenital ichthyoses: European guidelines of care, part two.

These guidelines for the management of congenital ichthyoses have been developed by a multidisciplinary group of European experts following a systematic review of the current literature, an expert conference held in Toulouse in 2016, and a consensus on the discussions. These guidelines summarize evidence and expert-based recommendations and intend to help clinicians with the management of these rare and often complex diseases. These guidelines comprise two sections. This is part two, covering the management of complications and the particularities of some forms of congenital ichthyosis.

Management of congenital ichthyoses: European guidelines of care, part one.

These guidelines for the management of congenital ichthyoses have been developed by a multidisciplinary group of European experts following a systematic review of the current literature, an expert conference held in Toulouse in 2016 and a consensus on the discussions. They summarize evidence and expert-based recommendations and are intended to help clinicians with the management of these rare and often complex diseases. These guidelines comprise two sections. This is part one, covering topical therapies, systemic therapies, psychosocial management, communicating the diagnosis and genetic counselling.

Genetic profiling of basal cell carcinomas detects postzygotic mosaicism in basal cell naevus syndrome.

Basal cell naevus syndrome (BCNS) is associated with germline mutations in the PTCH1 gene. Postzygotic mosaicism can also cause BCNS. Here we describe two patients, one with multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and one with clinical BCNS, who had no PTCH1 mutation in DNA extracted from blood. In both patients, we performed genetic analysis on different BCCs, revealing the presence of a shared PTCH1 mutation in all tumours. Our findings show that in patients with symptoms of BCNS and initial absence of a PTCH1 mutation in blood, genetic profiling of BCCs can detect postzygotic mosaicism. What's already known about this topic? Basal cell naevus syndrome (BCNS) is associated with germline mutations in the PTCH1 gene, but it can also be caused by low-grade postzygotic mosaicism in PTCH1. What does this study add? In patients suspected of having BCNS or patients with multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) with a special distribution on the body and no mutation detected in blood, it is worthwhile to search for a shared PTCH1 mutation in their BCCs as this can detect postzygotic mosaicism. This information is important to ensure proper surveillance programmes, choose the right therapy and provide adequate genetic counselling.

Postzygotic mosaicism in basal cell naevus syndrome.

Basal cell naevus syndrome (BCNS) is an autosomal dominant disorder most commonly caused by a germline mutation in the Drosophila homologue of patched-1 gene (PTCH1). Here we describe a patient with clinical signs of BCNS, caused by postzygotic mosaicism of a PTCH1 mutation. We performed restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and Droplet Digital polymerase chain reaction to determine the degree of mosaicism in different tissues of this patient. Our case shows that a relatively low-grade mosaicism can lead to clinical signs reminiscent of those caused by a germline mutation. This finding has important implications for genetic counselling and therefore is pivotal to recognize for dermatologists, as well as for clinical geneticists and clinical laboratory geneticists.

Photodynamic therapy vs. topical imiquimod for treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma: a subgroup analysis within a noninferiority randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A recent noninferiority randomized controlled trial (RCT) indicated that imiquimod can be considered as superior to methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). Knowledge of treatment effectiveness in subgroups of patients is of great value in clinical practice to select the most effective treatment for an individual patient with sBCC. OBJECTIVES: To explore whether the relative treatment effect of MAL-PDT and imiquimod is consistent across subgroups defined by patient and tumour characteristics. METHODS: Data were derived from a single-blinded, noninferiority, multicentre RCT comparing MAL-PDT, topical imiquimod and fluorouracil (ISRCTN79701845). Treatment success was defined as free of tumour recurrence at 12-month follow-up. Subgroup analyses were performed for subgroups defined by sex, age, tumour location and tumour size. RESULTS: Two hundred and two patients received MAL-PDT and 198 received imiquimod. The superiority of imiquimod vs. MAL-PDT was observed in subgroups of females, sBCC on the trunk and large tumours with risk differences in favour of imiquimod of 18·4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7·8-29·0%], 21·0% (95% CI 10·9-31·1%) and 18·9% (95% CI 7·1-30·7%), respectively. Higher probability of treatment success for imiquimod vs. MAL-PDT was consistently found in all other subgroups with the exception of sBCC localized on the lower extremities in older patients. In the latter subgroup, the risk difference at the expense of imiquimod was -57·3% (95% CI -81·7% to -32·9%). CONCLUSIONS: Imiquimod remains the first-choice treatment for sBCC in terms of effectiveness. In older patients with sBCC on the lower extremities MAL-PDT might be preferred. Results should be interpreted carefully as subgroup analyses were exploratory and not driven by prior hypotheses.

Oral liarozole in the treatment of patients with moderate/severe lamellar ichthyosis: results of a randomized, double-blind, multinational, placebo-controlled phase II/III trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral liarozole, a retinoic acid metabolism-blocking agent, may be an alternative to systemic retinoid therapy in patients with lamellar ichthyosis. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of once-daily oral liarozole in the treatment of moderate/severe lamellar ichthyosis. METHODS: This was a double-blind, multinational, parallel phase II/III trial (NCT00282724). Patients aged ≥ 14 years with moderate/severe lamellar ichthyosis [Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score ≥ 3] were randomized 3 : 3 : 1 to receive oral liarozole (75 or 150 mg) or placebo once daily for 12 weeks. Assessments included: IGA; a five-point scale for erythema, scaling and pruritus severity; Short Form-36 health survey; Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); and safety parameters. The primary efficacy variable was response rate at week 12 (responder: ≥ 2-point decrease in IGA from baseline). RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were enrolled. At week 12, 11/27 (41%; liarozole 75 mg), 14/28 (50%; liarozole 150 mg) and one out of nine (11%; placebo) patients were responders; the difference between groups (liarozole 150 mg vs. placebo) was not significant (P = 0.056). Mean IGA and scaling scores decreased from baseline in both liarozole groups at weeks 8 and 12 vs. placebo; erythema and pruritus scores were similar between treatment groups. Improvement in DLQI score was observed in both liarozole groups. Treatment with liarozole for 12 weeks was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The primary efficacy variable did not reach statistical significance, possibly owing to the small sample size following premature termination. However, once-daily oral liarozole, 75 and 150 mg, improved scaling and DLQI and was well tolerated in patients with moderate/severe lamellar ichthyosis.

Extended haplotype studies in South African and Dutch variegate porphyria families carrying the recurrent p.R59W mutation confirm a common ancestry.

BACKGROUND: Variegate porphyria (VP) is due to a partial deficiency of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX), the seventh enzyme in the haem biosynthetic pathway. Clinically, VP is characterized by photosensitivity and acute neurovisceral attacks that can manifest separately or together in affected individuals. The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with incomplete penetrance and PPOX gene mutations associated with VP are usually unique to patients and their families. In South Africa, however, VP is highly prevalent as the result of a founder mutation, designated p.R59W. Previous genealogical and haplotype studies showed a link between South African and Dutch carriers of p.R59W and it was suggested that this mutation was introduced to South Africa by Dutch settlers at the end of the 17th century. OBJECTIVES: To perform extended haplotype analysis in six South African and Dutch VP families with the p.R59W mutation. METHODS: Haplotyping of 13 microsatellite markers flanking the PPOX gene on chromosome 1q22-23 and five informative single nucleotide polymorphisms within and around the gene. RESULTS: A core haplotype cosegregated in all families studied. CONCLUSIONS: Our data deliver further confirmation that the South African and Dutch VP families carrying mutation p.R59W shared a common ancestor.