What syndrome is this? Autosomal recessive type II cutis laxa

Connective tissue and related disorders and preterm birth: clues to genes contributing to prematurity

To identify candidate genes contributing to preterm birth, we examined the existing literature on the association between known disorders of connective tissue synthesis and metabolism and related diseases and prematurity. Our hypothesis was that abnormal matrix metabolism contributes to prematurity by increasing risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and cervical incompetence. Based on this review, we identified gene mutations inherited by the fetus that could predispose to preterm birth as a result of PPROM. The responsible genes include COL5A1, COL5A2, COL3A1, COL1A1, COL1A2, TNXB, PLOD1, ADAMTS2, CRTAP, LEPRE1 and ZMPSTE24. Marfan syndrome, caused by FBN1 mutations, and polymorphisms in the COL1A1 and TGFB1 genes have been associated with cervical incompetence. We speculate that an analysis of sequence variation at the loci noted above will reveal polymorphisms that may contribute to susceptibility to PPROM and cervical incompetence in the general population.

Gerodermia osteodysplastica/wrinkly skin syndrome: report of three patients and brief review of the literature

Gerodermia osteodysplastica and wrinkly skin syndrome are rare autosomal recessive disorders. Due to the many phenotypic similarities in these two conditions, it has been proposed that they represent the same disorder. Both conditions are well delineated in the genetic literature, but despite skin involvement being a striking feature, they are rarely reported in dermatology journals. In this report, we describe three Arab children from two consanguineous families who exhibit overlapping features of gerodermia osteodysplastica and wrinkly skin syndrome. All the patients had dysmorphic facial features, wrinkled skin more marked on the hands and feet, hyperextensible joints, intrauterine growth retardation, developmental delay, congenital dislocation of hips, and osteoporosis. Our observations also support the contention that gerodermia osteodysplastica and wrinkly skin syndrome have the same clinical spectrum; however, this needs to be confirmed at the molecular level.