Intractable diarrhea of infancy with facial dysmorphism, trichorrhexis nodosa, and cirrhosis

Trichohepatoenteric Syndrome: A Report of Two Children From Bahrain With a Novel Mutation and a Literature Review

Trichohepatoenteric syndrome (THES) is a rare genetic disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. THES primarily leads to neonatal enteropathy, typically manifesting as severe, persistent diarrhea, distinctive facial features such as frontal bossing and a broad flat nasal bridge, woolly and fragile hair, immunodeficiency resulting in recurrent infections, failure to thrive (FTT), and liver complications including fibrosis or cirrhosis. This multisystem disorder is linked to mutations in the tetratricopeptide repeat domain 37 (TTC37) gene, also known as superkiller complex (SKIC) protein 3, responsible for THES type 1, and the Ski2-like ribonucleic acid (RNA) helicase (SKIV2L) gene, also known as SKIC2, responsible for THES type 2. This case report describes two far-related pediatric patients from Bahrain diagnosed with THES type 1. Although both patients exhibited typical symptoms of this syndrome, the first patient had more severe symptoms. Diagnostic genetic evaluations confirmed THES. Patient 1 had three homozygous variants in the TTC37 gene, while Patient 2 had two variants in the same gene. Both of our patients had a novel homozygous variant. The treatment focused on supportive care and infection management. Despite these efforts, patients did not reach their growth potential. This report underscores the necessity for early identification of THES to facilitate appropriate management and genetic counseling.

Breaking Down Barriers: Epithelial Contributors to Monogenic IBD Pathogenesis

Monogenic causes of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are increasingly being discovered. To date, much attention has been placed in those resulting from inborn errors of immunity. Therapeutic efforts have been largely focused on offering personalized immune modulation or curative bone marrow transplant for patients with IBD and underlying immune disorders. To date, less emphasis has been placed on monogenic causes of IBD that pertain to impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of monogenic causes of IBD that result in impaired intestinal epithelial barrier that are categorized into 6 important functions: (1) epithelial cell organization, (2) epithelial cell intrinsic functions, (3) epithelial cell apoptosis and necroptosis, (4) complement activation, (5) epithelial cell signaling, and (6) control of RNA degradation products. We illustrate how impairment of any of these categories can result in IBD. This work reviews the current understanding of the genes involved in maintaining the intestinal barrier, the inheritance patterns that result in dysfunction, features of IBD resulting from these disorders, and pertinent translational work in this field.

Diet management in congenital diarrheas and enteropathies - general concepts and disease-specific approach, a narrative review

Congenital diarrheas and enteropathies (CODE) are a group of rare, heterogenous, monogenic disorders that lead to chronic diarrhea in infancy. Definitive treatment is rarely available, and supportive treatment is the mainstay. Nutritional management in the form of either specialized formulas, restrictive diet, or parenteral nutrition support in CODE with poor enteral tolerance is the cornerstone of CODE treatment and long-term growth. The evidence to support the use of specific diet regimens and nutritional approaches in most CODE disorders is limited due to the rarity of these diseases and the scant published clinical experience. The goal of this review was to create a comprehensive guide for nutritional management in CODE, based on the currently available literature, disease mechanism, and the PediCODE group experience. Enteral diet management in CODE can be divided into 3 distinct conceptual frameworks: nutrient elimination, nutrient supplementation, and generalized nutrient restriction. Response to nutrient elimination or supplementation can lead to resolution or significant improvement in the chronic diarrhea of CODE and resumption of normal growth. This pattern can be seen in CODE due to carbohydrate malabsorption, defects in fat absorption, and occasionally in electrolyte transport defects. In contrast, general diet restriction is mainly supportive. However, occasionally it allows parenteral nutrition weaning or reduction over time, mainly in enteroendocrine defects and rarely in epithelial trafficking and polarity defects. Further research is required to better elucidate the role of diet in the treatment of CODE and the appropriate diet management for each disease.

The genetics of monogenic intestinal epithelial disorders

Monogenic intestinal epithelial disorders, also known as congenital diarrheas and enteropathies (CoDEs), are a group of rare diseases that result from mutations in genes that primarily affect intestinal epithelial cell function. Patients with CoDE disorders generally present with infantile-onset diarrhea and poor growth, and often require intensive fluid and nutritional management. CoDE disorders can be classified into several categories that relate to broad areas of epithelial function, structure, and development. The advent of accessible and low-cost genetic sequencing has accelerated discovery in the field with over 45 different genes now associated with CoDE disorders. Despite this increasing knowledge in the causal genetics of disease, the underlying cellular pathophysiology remains incompletely understood for many disorders. Consequently, clinical management options for CoDE disorders are currently limited and there is an urgent need for new and disorder-specific therapies. In this review, we provide a general overview of CoDE disorders, including a historical perspective of the field and relationship to other monogenic disorders of the intestine. We describe the genetics, clinical presentation, and known pathophysiology for specific disorders. Lastly, we describe the major challenges relating to CoDE disorders, briefly outline key areas that need further study, and provide a perspective on the future genetic and therapeutic landscape.

Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome with novel SKIV2L gene mutations: A case report

RATIONALE

Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome (THES) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the TTC37 or SKIV2L genes and characterized by chronic diarrhea, liver disease, hair abnormalities, and high mortality in early childhood due to severe infection or liver cirrhosis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient is the second child of three siblings born to non-consanguineous healthy Japanese parents. She had intrauterine growth retardation and was delivered at 33 weeks of gestation due to placental abruption. She presented with watery diarrhea, elevated levels of liver enzymes, multiple episodes of recurrent bacterial infection, and mild mental retardation. She had facial dysmorphism, including prominent forehead and hypertelorism, and had woolly hair without trichorrhexis nodosa.

DIAGNOSIS

Clinical features led to consideration of THES. Novel compound heterozygous nonsense mutations, c.1420G>T (p.Q474*) and c.3262G>T (p.E1088*), in the SKIV2L gene were identified in the patient, and decreased levels of SKIV2L protein expression were revealed by flow cytometry and confirmed by western blot analysis using patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

INTERVENTIONS

Total parenteral nutrition was required from day 30 to day 100. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis was started at the age of 7 years after multiple episodes of bacterial pneumonia and otitis media.

OUTCOMES

Chronic diarrhea persisted for more than 10 years, but the symptoms gradually improved with age. At the age of 13 years, she started a normal diet in combination with oral nutritional supplementation and her height and weight were just below the 3rd percentile for healthy individuals. She developed secondary sex characteristics, and menarche occurred at the age of 12 years. Facial dysmorphism, including prominent forehead and hypertelorism, and woolly hair without trichorrhexis nodosa became noticeable as she matured.

LESSONS

Physicians must be aware of THES when they encounter a patient with infantile diarrhea, hair abnormalities, immune deficiency, mental retardation, and liver disease. Moreover, flow cytometric detection of SKIV2L protein in PBMCs may facilitate early diagnosis.

Management of syndromic diarrhea/tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome: A review of the literature

Syndromic diarrhea/tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome (SD/THE) is a rare disease linked to the loss of function of either TTC37 or SKIV2L, two components of the SKI complex. It is characterized by a combination of 9 signs (intractable diarrhea, hair abnormalities, facial dysmorphism, immune abnormalities, IUGR/SGA, liver abnormalities, skin abnormalities, congenital heart defect and platelet abnormalities). We present a comprehensive review of the management of SD/THE and tested therapeutic regimens. A review of the literature was conducted in May 2017: 29 articles and 2 abstracts were included describing a total of 80 patients, of which 40 presented with mutations of TTC37, 14 of SKIV2L. Parenteral nutrition was used in the management of 83% of the patients and weaned in 44% (mean duration of 14.97 months). Immunoglobulins were used in 33 patients, but data on efficacy was reported for 6 patients with a diminution of infection (n = 3) or diarrhea reduction (n = 2). Antibiotics (n = 11) provided no efficacy. Steroids (n = 17) and immunosuppressant drugs (n = 13) were used with little efficacy and mostly in patients with IBD-like SD/THE. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was performed in 4 patients: 2 died, for one it corrected the immune defects but not the other features and for the last one, it provided only a partial improvement. Finally, no specific diet was effective except for some contradictory reports for elemental formula. In conclusion, the management of SD/THE mainly involves parenteral nutrition and immunoglobulin supplementation. Antibiotics, steroids, immunosuppressants, and HSCT are not recommended as principle treatments since there is no evidence of efficacy.

Syndromic (phenotypic) diarrhoea of infancy/tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Syndromic diarrhoea/tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome (SD/THE) is a rare congenital syndrome. The main features are intractable diarrhoea of infancy, hair abnormalities, facial dysmorphism, intrauterine growth restriction and immune system abnormalities. It has been linked to abnormalities in two components of the putative human ski complex: SKIV2L and TTC37. The long-term outcome of this syndrome is still unknown. We aim to describe the long-term outcome, in the French cohort of patients born since 1992.

DESIGN

Review of the clinical and biological features of the 15 patients with SD/THE, followed in France and born between 1992 and 2010.

RESULTS

All patients presented typical SD/THE syndrome features, of intractable diarrhoea in infancy requiring parenteral nutrition, a facial dysmorphism with hair abnormalities, and immunological disorders. Half of them also had liver and skin abnormalities. Five children died, among which 3 died due to infections. Probabilities of survival according to the Kaplan-Meier method were 93.3%, 86.7%, 74.3 and 61.9%, respectively at 1 year, 5 years, 10 years and 15 years of age. 3/15 were weaned from parenteral nutrition (PN) with likelihood of weaning being 10% at 5 years and 40% at 10 years. At birth 80% were small for gestational age and the short stature persisted in 60%. Haemophagocytic syndrome was noted in 60% and mild mental retardation was present in 60%.

CONCLUSIONS

SD/THE is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality. Management should be focused on nutrition and immunological defects.

Syndromic diarrhea/Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome

Abstract

Syndromic diarrhea/Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome (SD/THE) is a rare and severe bowel disorder caused by mutation in SKIV2L or in TTC37, 2 genes encoding subunits of the putative human SKI complex. The estimated prevalence is 1/1,000,000 births and the transmission is autosomal recessive. The classical form is characterized by 5 clinical signs: intractable diarrhea of infancy beginning in the first month of life, usually leading to failure to thrive and requiring parenteral nutrition; facial dysmorphism characterised by prominent forehead and cheeks, broad nasal root and hypertelorism; hair abnormalities described as woolly and easily removable; immune disorders resulting from defective antibody production; intrauterine growth restriction. The aetiology is a defect in TTC37, a TPR containing protein, or in the RNA helicase SKIV2L, both constituting the putative human ski complex. The ski complex is a heterotetrameric cofactor of the cytoplasmic RNA exosome which ensures aberrants mRNAs decay. The diagnosis SD/THE is initially based on clinical findings and confirmed by direct sequencing of TTC37 and SKIV2L. Differential diagnosis with the other causes of intractable diarrhea is easily performed by pathologic investigations. During their clinical course, most of the children require parenteral nutrition and often immunoglobulin supplementation. With time, some of them can be weaned off parenteral nutrition and immunoglobulin supplementation. The prognosis depends on the management and is largely related to the occurrence of parenteral nutrition complications or infections. Even with optimal management, most of the children seem to experience failure to thrive and final short stature. Mild mental retardation is observed in half of the cases.

Abstract in French

Les diarrhées syndromiques ou syndrome tricho-hepato-enterique (SD/THE) sont un syndrome rare et sévère dont l’incidence est estimée à 1 cas pour 1 million de naissances et la transmission autosomique récessive. La forme typique associe 5 signes cliniques: une diarrhée grave rebelle nécessitant dans la majorité des cas une nutrition parentérale du fait de la malnutrition, une dysmorphie avec un front large et bombé, une racine du nez large et un hypertélorisme, des anomalies des cheveux qui sont fragiles, cassants, incoiffables et qualifiés de « laineux », un retard de croissance intra utérine et des anomalies de l’immunité à type de déficit en immunoglobuline ou d’absence de réponse aux antigènes vaccinaux. Des anomalies de deux protéines peuvent être à l’origine du syndrome SD/THE: TTC37, une protéine à motif TPR et SKIV2L, une hélicase à ARN, toutes 2 étant des constituants du complexe SKI humain. Le complexe SKI est un co-facteur de l’exosome cytoplasmique qui assure la dégradation des ARN aberrants ou exogènes. Le diagnostic est d’abord clinique puis confirmé par le séquençage des gènes TTC37 et SKIV2L. Le diagnostic différentiel avec les autres formes de diarrhées intraitables est fait grâce aux analyses anatomopathologiques qui montrent dans les autres formes, des lésions spécifiques. La prise en charge clinique repose sur la nutrition parentérale et la supplémentation en immunoglobuline si nécessaire. Un certain nombre d’enfants peuvent être sevrés de la nutrition parentérale et des supplémentations en immunoglobulines. En cas d’atteinte hépatique, celle-ci peut être sévère et conduire au décès. Même avec une prise en charge optimale, les enfants présentent une petite taille et, dans la moitié des cas, un retard mental modéré.

Disease name/synonyms – Syndromic diarrhea – Phenotypic diarrhea – Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome – Intractable diarrhea of infancy with facial dysmorphism – Trichorrhexis nodosa and cirrhosis – Neonatal hemochromatosis phenotype with intractable diarrhea and hair abnormalities – Intractable infant diarrhea associated with phenotypic abnormalities and immune deficiency- Syndromatic diarrhea. [ORPHA84064 MIM 222470 and MIM614602]. Possibly chronic diarrhea and skin hyperpigmentation.

Trichohepatoenteric syndrome: founder mutation in asian indians

Trichohepatoenteric syndrome (THES) is characterized by chronic diarrhea, dysmorphic facies and hair abnormalities. Hepatic involvement varies from no abnormality to cirrhosis and hemochromatosis. Recently, mutations in the tetratricopeptide repeat domain 37 (TTC37) gene were identified to cause THES. The c.2808G>A variation was suggested as a possible founder mutation among the South Asians. We further report 2 unrelated cases of Asian-Indian ethnicity (Gujrati) with THES, wherein targeted mutation analysis revealed the same mutation in homozygous form in both cases. These findings, as well as haplotype analysis, corroborate the founder mutation hypothesis amongst Asian Indo-Pakistani ethnic groups. A restriction enzyme-based method is also described to identify this founder mutation. One of our probands had multiple hepatic hemangiomas, a feature not previously observed in this syndrome.

Genetic syndromic immunodeficiencies with antibody defects

This article reviews the major syndromic immunodeficiencies with significant antibody defects, many of which may require intravenous immunogammaglobulin therapy. The authors define syndromic immunodeficiency as an illness associated with a characteristic group of phenotypic abnormalities or laboratory features that comprise a recognizable syndrome. Many are familial with a defined inheritance pattern. Immunodeficiency may not be a major part of the illness and may not be present in all patients; thus, these conditions differ from primary immunodeficiency syndromes, in which immune abnormalities are a consistent and prominent feature of their disease.

Chronic diarrhea and skin hyperpigmentation: a new association

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The objective of this study was to describe patients with chronic diarrhea and abnormal skin hyperpigmentation with distinct distribution.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of children who presented with diarrhea and skin hyperpigmentation. The clinical presentation, laboratory investigations as well as endoscopic and histological data were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven patients with chronic diarrhea had abnormal skin hyperpigmentation with distinct distribution and presented in the first two months of life. Six patients had other features such as abnormal hair and facial dysmorphism. Mental retardation was reported in one patient. Consanguinity was positive in six patients, and there was family history of consanguinity in four patients, with two patients being siblings. No significant immunodeficiency was reported. Intestinal biopsies were obtained in six patients and showed active chronic inflammation in three patients, partial villous atrophy in two patients, and eosinophilic infiltrate with mild villous atrophy in one patient. Colonic biopsies showed mild focal colitis in three patients and mild colitis with eosinophilic infiltrate in one patient. Skin biopsies showed a greater number of melanophagies with fibrosis of papillary derma in two patients but skin biopsy was normal in one patient. The hair of two patients was analyzed by electron microscopy, which showed an abnormal pattern with decreased pigmentation and diameter; however, its chemical analysis was normal. Two other patients had trichorrhexis nodosa, but no abnormalities were seen in one patient. Chromosomal number was normal in three patients. One patient died because of sepsis, and only one patient was dependent on total parenteral nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that this association might represent a new syndrome with an autosomal recessive inheritance that warrants further studies.

Syndromic (phenotypic) diarrhea in early infancy

Syndromic diarrhea (SD), also known as phenotypic diarrhea (PD) or tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome (THE), is a congenital enteropathy presenting with early-onset of severe diarrhea requiring parenteral nutrition (PN). To date, no epidemiological data are available. The estimated prevalence is approximately 1/300,000–400,000 live births in Western Europe. Ethnic origin does not appear to be associated with SD. Infants are born small for gestational age and present with facial dysmorphism including prominent forehead and cheeks, broad nasal root and hypertelorism. Hairs are woolly, easily removed and poorly pigmented. Severe and persistent diarrhea starts within the first 6 months of life (≤ 1 month in most cases) and is accompanied by severe malabsorption leading to early and relentless protein energy malnutrition with failure to thrive. Liver disease affects about half of patients with extensive fibrosis or cirrhosis. There is currently no specific biochemical profile, though a functional T-cell immune deficiency with defective antibody production was reported. Microscopic analysis of the hair show twisted hair (pili torti), aniso- and poilkilotrichosis, and trichorrhexis nodosa. Histopathological analysis of small intestine biopsy shows non-specific villous atrophy with low or no mononuclear cell infiltration of the lamina propria, and no specific histological abnormalities involving the epithelium. The etiology remains unknown. The frequent association of the disorder with parental consanguinity and/or affected siblings suggests a genetic origin with an autosomal recessive mode of transmission. Early management consists of total PN. Some infants have a rather milder phenotype with partial PN dependency or require only enteral feeding. Prognosis of this syndrome is poor, but most patients now survive, and about half of the patients may be weaned from PN at adolescence, but experience failure to thrive and final short stature.

Syndromic diarrhea – Phenotypic diarrhea – Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome – Intractable diarrhea of infancy with facial dysmorphism – Trichorrhexis nodosa and cirrhosis – Neonatal hemochromatosis phenotype with intractable diarrhea and hair abnormalities – Intractable infant diarrhea associated with phenotypic abnormalities and immune deficiency.

A new syndrome of tufting enteropathy and choanal atresia, with ophthalmologic, hematologic and hair abnormalities

Three siblings are reported with a syndrome of intractable diarrhea of infancy (owing to tufting enteropathy) and choanal atresia/stenosis. Additional components of this condition are a mild shortness of stature, a prominent and broad nasal bridge, micrognathia, single palmar creases, chronic corneal inflammation, episodic cytopenia, and abnormal hair texture. Intelligence is normal, and there is no immunodeficiency distinguishing this syndrome from that reported by Girault et al. (1994). Additional features that might occur in this syndrome include bifid uvula, preauricular pits, and 2/3 toe syndactyly. We compare this syndrome with previously reported intractable diarrhea syndromes and speculate on the developmental mechanisms that could account for many of the features demonstrated by this sibship.

Intractable diarrhea with "phenotypic anomalies" and tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome: two names for the same disorder

Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome and syndromic diarrhea are quite rare conditions with only 15 patients described to date. Both include severe diarrhea requiring total parenteral nutrition, facial dysmorphism, immunity defect, and hair abnormalities (mostly trichorrhexis nodosa). A definite clear clinical description of the two syndromes is lacking; the outcome is also poorly known. Here, we report on two additional patients. Analysis of our observations together with a review of previously published cases suggests that patients with tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome and/or syndromic diarrhea actually have the same heterogeneous disease that has been incorrectly and confusingly separated into different entities. The acknowledgment that these two syndromes represent the same disease is a crucial step toward a better description of this syndrome and its outcome toward studies of the underlying genetic cause.

Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome: a case of hemochromatosis with intractable diarrhea, dysmorphic features, and hair abnormality

We report on a female infant with congenital iron storage disease, facial dysmorphism, intractable diarrhea, and hair abnormalities. The intractable diarrhea failed to resolve despite total parenteral nutrition and complete bowel rest for more than 3 weeks. The patient also had elevated liver enzymes and failure to thrive. Histopathologic examination of the liver revealed marked iron deposits in hepatocytes with portal edema, fibrosis, and septal formation. No metabolic abnormalities could be detected. She died at the age of 10 months. We suggest that this case could have a specific iron storage syndrome that is similar to the two sibs reported by Stankler et al. [1982; Arch Dis Child 57:212-216] and Verloes et al. [1997; Am J Med Genet 68:391-395]. The condition was called the tricho-hepato-enteric (THE) syndrome.