Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a genetic disorder characterized by defective development of teeth, hair, nails and eccrine sweat glands. Both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive forms of HED have previously been linked... more
Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a genetic disorder characterized by defective development of teeth, hair, nails and eccrine sweat glands. Both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive forms of HED have previously been linked to mutations in the ectodysplasin 1 anhidrotic receptor (EDAR) protein that plays an important role during embryogenesis. The coding DNA sequence of the EDAR gene was analyzed in two large Swedish three-generational families with autosomal dominant HED. A non-sense C to T mutation in exon 12 was identified in both families. This disease-specific mutation changes an arginine amino acid in position 358 of the EDAR protein into a stop codon (p.Arg358X), thereby truncating the protein. In addition to the causative mutation two polymorphisms, not associated with the HED disorder, were also found in the EDAR gene. The finding of the p.Arg358X mutation in the Swedish families is the first corroboration of a previously described observation in an American f...
Hypohidrosis refers to diminished sweating in response to appropriate stimuli. This can cause hyperthermia, heat exhaustion and death. The aetiology of hypohidrosis can be divided into exogenous, dermatological and neurological causes.... more
Hypohidrosis refers to diminished sweating in response to appropriate stimuli. This can cause hyperthermia, heat exhaustion and death. The aetiology of hypohidrosis can be divided into exogenous, dermatological and neurological causes. Exogenous causes act either by systemic neurohormonal inhibition of sweating or localised damage to the skin and sweat glands. Dermatological disorders can result from congenital disorders, wherein other ectodermal tissues may also be affected, or acquired disorders in which manifestations of the primary disease predominate. Neurological disorders should be classified based on an upper motor neuron or lower motor neuron pattern of disease. In the former, there is spasticity and hyperactive reflexes whereas in the latter, flaccidity and hypoactive reflexes predominate. Acquired idiopathic generalised anhidrois refers to isolated anhidrosis with no other detectable abnormalities. When approaching a patient with hypohidrois, exogenous causes should first be excluded. Physical examination, paying attention to mucocutaneous manifestations and neurological signs, will dichotomise if the lesion is dermatological or neurological. In the former, a skin biopsy is the investigation of choice. In the latter, one should consider magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spinal cord for upper motor neuron lesions, nerve conduction tests for lower motor neuron lesions and autonomic nerve function tests for autonomic dysfunction. Finally, if a diagnosis of acquired idiopathic generalised anhidrosis is suspected, a quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test and serum immunoglobulin-E levels may be performed. Treatment involves addressing the underlying condition and avoidance of aggravating factors. Acquired idiopathic generalised anhidrosis responds well to high dose systemic corticosteroids.
Ross syndrome is a degenerative peripheral nervous system disorder defined by the following triad: unilateral or bilateral segmental anhidrosis, hyporeflexia of deep tendon reflexes and Adie's tonic pupils. The most disturbing symptom is... more
Ross syndrome is a degenerative peripheral nervous system disorder defined by the following triad: unilateral or bilateral segmental anhidrosis, hyporeflexia of deep tendon reflexes and Adie's tonic pupils. The most disturbing symptom is segmental compensatory hyperhidrosis. It has only occasionally been reported in the dermatological literature. We present a 35-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C who developed the characteristic triad of Ross syndrome within 1 month. The patient was otherwise healthy except for an aneurysm of the left medium brain artery not responsible for the syndrome.
Ectodermal dysplasias represent a large and complex group of diseases comprising more than 170 clinical conditions. They are caused by impaired development of the ectodermal appendages and characterized by a primary defect in at least one... more
Ectodermal dysplasias represent a large and complex group of diseases comprising more than 170 clinical conditions. They are caused by impaired development of the ectodermal appendages and characterized by a primary defect in at least one of the following tissues: nails, hair, sweat glands, or teeth. Ectodermal dysplasia has emotional consequences for affected individuals at early ages. This case report outlines a possible routine approach to restoring function and esthetics and aiding in the social interaction for a 9-year-old girl diagnosed with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia at about 7 years of age.
Background Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a human heritable disorder characterized by sparse hair, a lack of sweat glands and malformation of teeth. There are X-linked, autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant forms of this... more
Background Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a human heritable disorder characterized by sparse hair, a lack of sweat glands and malformation of teeth. There are X-linked, autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant forms of this disorder. Mutations in the EDA gene cause X-linked HED and mutations in either the EDAR or the EDARADD genes cause autosomal forms of HED.Objectives To identify pathogenic mutations in two consanguineous Pakistani families (A and B) with 11 affected individuals demonstrating the autosomal recessive form of HED.Methods Genotyping of 17 members of the two families, including eight affected and nine unaffected individuals, was carried out by using polymorphic markers D2S293, D2S1893 and D2S1891, which are closely linked to the EDAR gene on chromosome 2q11-q13. To screen for mutations in the EDAR gene, all of its exons and splice junctions were polymerase chain reaction amplified from genomic DNA and sequenced directly in an ABI Prism 310 automated sequencer.Results Genotyping results showed linkage in both the Pakistani families to the EDAR locus. Sequence analysis of the EDAR gene identified two novel mutations in the families: a missense mutation (G382S) in family A and a 4-bp deletion (718delAAAG) in family B.Conclusions We describe novel mutations in the EDAR gene in two Pakistani families affected with the autosomal recessive form of HED. Our findings extend the body of evidence that supports the importance of the ectodysplasin A1 isoform receptor, a member of the tumour necrosis factor receptor family, in the development of ectodermal appendages.
One hundred and two patients treated with TPM were evaluated retrospectively. Five (8 months-15 years of age) of them experienced symptomatic hypohidrosis manifested with prolonged or intermittent fever. Pilocarpine iontophoresis sweat... more
One hundred and two patients treated with TPM were evaluated retrospectively. Five (8 months-15 years of age) of them experienced symptomatic hypohidrosis manifested with prolonged or intermittent fever. Pilocarpine iontophoresis sweat test had been performed on the five patients before they were managed, and no sweat had been collected in 4/5 cases. Of the 102 patients, 42 who started TPM
To measure sweating in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Sweating was measured by an evaporimeter after a heating stimulus in 29 MS patients and in 15 healthy control subjects. The MS patients sweated markedly less than the controls.... more
To measure sweating in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Sweating was measured by an evaporimeter after a heating stimulus in 29 MS patients and in 15 healthy control subjects. The MS patients sweated markedly less than the controls. After 10 min of heating the sweating was significantly lower in the forehead (P = 0.034), feet (right, P = 0.033; left, P = 0.037) and legs (right, P = 0.043; left, P = 0.029) of the MS patients than in those of the controls. After 15 min of heating the difference was statistically significant only in the feet (right, P = 0.043; left, P = 0.029). The Expanded Disability Status Scale score correlated inversely with sweating at 15 min of heating in the left hand (r = 0.42, P < 0.05), and in the left (r = 0.36, P < 0.05) and right foot (r = 0.37, P < 0.05). MS is associated with an impairment in thermoregulatory sweating which seems to be related to the disease severity.
Claudins constitute the major component of tight junctions and regulate paracellular permeability of epithelia. Claudin-10 occurs in two major isoforms that form paracellular channels with ion selectivity. We report on two families... more
Claudins constitute the major component of tight junctions and regulate paracellular permeability of epithelia. Claudin-10 occurs in two major isoforms that form paracellular channels with ion selectivity. We report on two families segregating an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by generalized anhidrosis, severe heat intolerance and mild kidney failure. All affected individuals carry a rare homozygous missense mutation c.144C>G, p.(N48K) specific for the claudin-10b isoform. Immunostaining of sweat glands from patients suggested that the disease is associated with reduced levels of claudin-10b in the plasma membranes and in canaliculi of the secretory portion. Expression of claudin-10b N48K in a 3D cell model of sweat secretion indicated perturbed paracellular Na+ transport. Analysis of paracellular permeability revealed that claudin-10b N48K maintained cation over anion selectivity but with a reduced general ion conductance. Furthermore, freeze fracture electron micros...
Topiramate (TPM) has peculiar side effects such as speech difficulties, weight loss, oligohidrosis and hyperthermia. We present the frequency and severity of hypohidrosis in our patients under TPM treatment. One hundred and two patients... more
Topiramate (TPM) has peculiar side effects such as speech difficulties, weight loss, oligohidrosis and hyperthermia. We present the frequency and severity of hypohidrosis in our patients under TPM treatment. One hundred and two patients treated with TPM were evaluated retrospectively. Five (8 months-15 years of age) of them experienced symptomatic hypohidrosis manifested with prolonged or intermittent fever. Pilocarpine iontophoresis sweat test had been performed on the five patients before they were managed, and no sweat had been collected in 4/5 cases. Of the 102 patients, 42 who started TPM treatment when the study was established were evaluated prospectively regarding oligohidrosis. First, they were questioned about whether hypohidrosis occurred after TPM. Of 42, 11 patients complained of hypohidrosis. A sweat test was then performed on these 11 patients. Sweat could not be obtained in 5/11, and increased chloride concentration was found in 4/11. However, sweat could be obtained...
Hypohidrosis is defined as diminished sweating in response to an appropriate thermal or sympathetic stimulus. When encountered in a clinical setting, it necessitates an accurate documentation of its pattern and extent to prognosticate the... more
Hypohidrosis is defined as diminished sweating in response to an appropriate thermal or sympathetic stimulus. When encountered in a clinical setting, it necessitates an accurate documentation of its pattern and extent to prognosticate the risk of associated heat-related illnesses. This can be achieved by thermoregulatory sweat testing which includes a starch– iodine sweat test that can be administered via various methods. Objective: To describe and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel method of using an atomizer spray gun in administering the starch–iodine test.
ABSTRACT— Twenty-four patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome were prospectively evaluated for evidence of autonomic dysfunction. It occurred in 16 (66.7%) patients, usually during the peak period of paralysis, in the form of either excess... more
ABSTRACT— Twenty-four patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome were prospectively evaluated for evidence of autonomic dysfunction. It occurred in 16 (66.7%) patients, usually during the peak period of paralysis, in the form of either excess or inadequate activity of sympathetic and/or parasympathetic nervous systems. Its clinical manifestations comprised of sinus tachycardia (33.3%), bradycardia (8.3%), hypertension (33.3%), postural hypotension (35%), urinary sphincteric disturbances (20.8%) and anhydrosis of lower limbs (12.5%). Assessment of cardiovascular responses to autonomic function tests revealed impaired alterations in heart rate during deep breathing (31.6%), Valsalva's manoeuvre (28.6%), sustained handgrip (25%), cold-pressor test (36.4%), postural change (35%) and atropine test (20%); and impaired rise in blood pressure during firm handgrip (25%) and cold-pressor test (36.6%). ECG abnormalities were noticed in 8 (33.3%) patients. They comprised of depressed ST segment in 5, inverted T wave in 3, tall T wave in 2 and prolonged QTc in 2 patients. Two patients died of respiratory failure. Autonomic dysfunction in Guillain-Barré syndrome did not appear to have any prognostic significance as there was no significant difference in autonomic dysfunction between good—and bad—outcome groups of patients.
The aim of this clinical report is to describe the management of a young patient, affected by ectodermal dysplasia, during a nine-year period. Dental treatment can vary depending on the severity of the disease (tooth size, morphology, and... more
The aim of this clinical report is to describe the management of a young patient, affected by ectodermal dysplasia, during a nine-year period. Dental treatment can vary depending on the severity of the disease (tooth size, morphology, and amount of available alveolar bone). New technologies, such as adhesive dentistry, and new materials, such as composite resin, represent current options in the management of the dental rehabilitation of patients affected by ectodermal dysplasia. Removable partial dentures were used to replace congenitally missing teeth, and composite resin materials were used to restore conical-shaped maxillary teeth to achieve a favorable esthetic result. This option minimized the sacrifice of healthy dental tissue. Prosthodontic and restorative treatment was provided for the psychological and social comfort of the young patient.
Background Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a human heritable disorder characterized by sparse hair, a lack of sweat glands and malformation of teeth. There are X-linked, autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant forms of this... more
Background Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a human heritable disorder characterized by sparse hair, a lack of sweat glands and malformation of teeth. There are X-linked, autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant forms of this disorder. Mutations in the EDA gene cause X-linked HED and mutations in either the EDAR or the EDARADD genes cause autosomal forms of HED.Objectives To identify pathogenic mutations in two consanguineous Pakistani families (A and B) with 11 affected individuals demonstrating the autosomal recessive form of HED.Methods Genotyping of 17 members of the two families, including eight affected and nine unaffected individuals, was carried out by using polymorphic markers D2S293, D2S1893 and D2S1891, which are closely linked to the EDAR gene on chromosome 2q11-q13. To screen for mutations in the EDAR gene, all of its exons and splice junctions were polymerase chain reaction amplified from genomic DNA and sequenced directly in an ABI Prism 310 automated sequencer.Results Genotyping results showed linkage in both the Pakistani families to the EDAR locus. Sequence analysis of the EDAR gene identified two novel mutations in the families: a missense mutation (G382S) in family A and a 4-bp deletion (718delAAAG) in family B.Conclusions We describe novel mutations in the EDAR gene in two Pakistani families affected with the autosomal recessive form of HED. Our findings extend the body of evidence that supports the importance of the ectodysplasin A1 isoform receptor, a member of the tumour necrosis factor receptor family, in the development of ectodermal appendages.
Background Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a human heritable disorder characterized by sparse hair, a lack of sweat glands and malformation of teeth. There are X-linked, autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant forms of this... more
Background Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a human heritable disorder characterized by sparse hair, a lack of sweat glands and malformation of teeth. There are X-linked, autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant forms of this disorder. Mutations in the EDA gene cause X-linked HED and mutations in either the EDAR or the EDARADD genes cause autosomal forms of HED.Objectives To identify pathogenic mutations in two consanguineous Pakistani families (A and B) with 11 affected individuals demonstrating the autosomal recessive form of HED.Methods Genotyping of 17 members of the two families, including eight affected and nine unaffected individuals, was carried out by using polymorphic markers D2S293, D2S1893 and D2S1891, which are closely linked to the EDAR gene on chromosome 2q11-q13. To screen for mutations in the EDAR gene, all of its exons and splice junctions were polymerase chain reaction amplified from genomic DNA and sequenced directly in an ABI Prism 310 automated sequencer.Results Genotyping results showed linkage in both the Pakistani families to the EDAR locus. Sequence analysis of the EDAR gene identified two novel mutations in the families: a missense mutation (G382S) in family A and a 4-bp deletion (718delAAAG) in family B.Conclusions We describe novel mutations in the EDAR gene in two Pakistani families affected with the autosomal recessive form of HED. Our findings extend the body of evidence that supports the importance of the ectodysplasin A1 isoform receptor, a member of the tumour necrosis factor receptor family, in the development of ectodermal appendages.