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Infantile systemic hyalinosis: a fatal disorder commonly diagnosed among Arabs
S M Al-Mayouf1, A AlMehaidib, S Bahabri
1Section of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, MBC-58, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. mayouf@kfshrc.edu.sa
Insights
Infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH) is a severe genetic disorder presenting in newborns, often misdiagnosed. This study highlights its high prevalence in Saudi Arabia and among Arab populations, with poor treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH) is a rare, severe genetic disorder.
- Clinical presentation often includes joint contractures, mucocutaneous changes, and growth failure.
- Genetic predisposition, including consanguinity, is noted in affected families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and outcomes of infantile systemic hyalinosis.
- To determine the prevalence and commonality of ISH in Saudi Arabia and among Arab populations.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current management strategies for ISH.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 19 patients diagnosed with ISH at a tertiary care hospital.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, family history, and treatment outcomes.
- Review of radiological and histopathological data.
Main Results:
- Most patients (83.3%) presented neonatally, with frequent misdiagnosis (73.7%).
- Common findings included joint contractures, mucocutaneous lesions, growth failure, and hypoalbuminemia (72%).
- Aggressive management showed no improvement, with a high mortality rate (16/19 patients).
Conclusions:
- Infantile systemic hyalinosis is likely underdiagnosed and more common in Saudi Arabia and among Arabs than previously recognized.
- Current therapeutic interventions are ineffective, emphasizing the need for novel treatment strategies.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial, despite the progressive nature of the disease.
Abstract:
We retrospectively reviewed 19 patients (11 male, 8 female) with infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH) seen at a tertiary care hospital. Fifteen patients (83.3%) presented in the neonatal period. The referral diagnosis was inaccurate in 14 patients (73.7%). Thirteen patients were products of first-degree cousin marriages (68%) and 5 families had more than one affected child. All patients had painful joint contractures and typical mucocutaneous changes (hyper-pigmented sclerodermatous skin over the knuckles and malleoli, gingival hyperplasia, subcutaneous and perianal fleshy nodules). Growth failure was noted in all of them and 39% had profuse diarrhea, 72% had low serum albumin. Radiological findings included osteopenia, periosteal reaction and osteolytic lesions. Tissue biopsy was consistent with the diagnosis in the 8 patients who had the biopsies. Despite aggressive management with physiotherapy and different medications (including NSAIDs, penicillamine and methotrexate), the disorder was progressive and none of them showed improvement. 16 patients died with a mean age of 11 months and only 3 are alive with a mean age of 20 months. This report represents the largest series of ISH. Our data suggests that ISH is a commonly diagnosed disorder in Saudi Arabia and among Arabs.
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