Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (AEC) syndrome with neonatal erythroderma: Report of two cases

Proposal for a 6-step-approach for differential diagnosis of neonatal erythroderma

The broad differential diagnosis of neonatal erythroderma often poses a diagnostic challenge. Mortality of neonatal erythroderma is high due to complications of the erythroderma itself and the occasionally severe and life-threatening underlying disease. Early correct recognition of the underlying cause leads to better treatment and prognosis. Currently, neonatal erythroderma is approached by a case by case basis. The purpose of this scoping review was to develop a diagnostic approach in neonatal erythroderma. After a systematic literature search in Embase (January 1990 - May 2020, 74 cases of neonatal erythroderma were identified, and 50+ diagnoses could be extracted. Main causes were the ichthyoses (40%) and primary immunodeficiencies (35%). Congenital erythroderma was present in 64% (47/74) of the cases, predominantly with congenital ichthyosis (11/11; 100%), Netherton syndrome (12/14, 86%), and Omenn syndrome (11/23, 48%). Time until diagnosis ranged from 102 days to 116 days for cases of non-congenital erythroderma and congenital erythroderma respectively. Among the 74 identified cases a total of 17 patients (23%) died within a mean of 158 days and were related to Omenn syndrome (35%), graft versus host disease (67%), and Netherton syndrome (18%). Disease history and physical examination are summarized in this paper. Age of onset and a collodion membrane can help to narrow the differential diagnoses. Investigations of blood, histology, hair analysis, genetic analysis and clinical imaging are summarized and discussed. A standard blood investigation is proposed and the need for skin biopsies with Lympho-Epithelial Kazal-Type related Inhibitor-staining is highlighted. Overall, this review shows that diagnostic procedures narrow the differential diagnosis in neonatal erythroderma. A 6-step flowchart for the diagnostic approach for neonatal erythroderma during the first month of life is proposed. The approach was made with the support of expert leaders from international multidisciplinary collaborations in the European Reference Network Skin-subthematic group Ichthyosis.

Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome: a novel p63 mutation associated with generalized neonatal erosions

Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (AEC) syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by ankyloblepharon (congenital adhesions of the eyelids), ectodermal dysplasia, and orofacial clefts. Here, we report the case of an infant born with severe ectodermal dysplasia including generalized neonatal erosions with scalp involvement, facial clefting but notably without ankyloblepharon. Mutational analysis of the p63 gene showed a novel heterozygous T>C nucleotide substitution on exon 14 (I597T). To our knowledge, this is a novel mutation that has not previously been reported in the pathogenesis of AEC, or other p63-related syndromes. This case further highlights the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of p63 syndromes.

Hay-Wells syndrome: a case report

Hay-Wells syndrome is a rare form of ectodermal dysplasia initially described by Hay and Wells in 1976. It is an autosomal dominant disorder with varying forms of expression featuring congenital abnormalities of the skin, hair, teeth, nails and sweat glands. The present report describes the case of a 17-year old white boy, the son of nonconsanguineous parents, who presented ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum, ectodermal dysplasia and a cleft palate at birth, which are considered cardinal signs of this syndrome by most authors. We also highlight the importance of implementing multidisciplinary follow-up of these patients.

Dermatologic findings of ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome

Hay-Wells syndrome, caused by mutations in the p63 gene, is an autosomal dominant ectodermal dysplasia with the main features of ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum, ectodermal defects, and cleft lip/palate, from which the disorder's other name, AEC syndrome, is derived. The National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias convened the International Research Symposium for AEC Syndrome on November 8-10, 2006, at Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX with appropriate IRB approval. This multidisciplinary conference was the largest gathering of such patients to date and allowed us to further characterize dermatologic features of AEC syndrome, which included: sparse and wiry hair, nail changes, past or present scalp erosions, decreased sweat production, palmar/plantar changes, and unique pigmentary anomalies. Early recognition of the features of AEC syndrome and subsequent early diagnosis is important in minimizing invasive diagnostic studies, improving morbidity and mortality, and providing genetic counseling. Skin erosions, especially those of the scalp, were identified as the most challenging cutaneous aspect of this syndrome. Although the reasons for the skin erosions and poor healing are not known, mutations of p63 may lead to a diminished store of basal cells capable of replenishing the disrupted barrier. Therapeutic strategies currently under exploration include gene therapy, as well as epidermal stem cell therapy. Until then, gentle wound care and limiting further trauma seem to be the most prudent treatment modalities.