Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy: A Case Series of Six Children

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) is a group of rare disorders affecting the sensory and autonomic neurons. Herein, we describe the clinical and genetic profile of six children with HSAN.

Hospital records of six children diagnosed with HSAN over 7 years (2011-2018) were retrieved. Clinical features, electrophysiological studies, and genetic reports were collected from the case files.

The presenting clinical features in these six cases were developmental delay, recurrent febrile episodes, rhinitis, recurrent nonhealing ulcers, burns, self-mutilations, chronic osteomyelitis, and corneal ulcers. Electrophysiology studies showed predominant sensory axonal neuropathy. Autonomic features noted were recurrent fever, constipation, abdominal distension, hypertension, and vasomotor rhinitis. Genetic testing was done with next-generation sequencing in all six children. Causative genetic variants were identified in the NTRK1, PRDM12, DST gene, and a novel compound heterozygous variant in the FLVCR1 gene. The diagnosis of HSAN was delayed in most of our children due to variable presentation and lack of awareness among the treating paediatricians.

Although the clinical presentation of HASN is highly variable, it is dominated by pain and temperature insensitivity and self-mutilation. Our report of six children with HSAN expands the existing knowledge on phenotype and genotype spectrum of HSAN.