Clinical characteristics and anti-ZSCAN1 antibody titer analysis in a nationwide survey of ROHHAD (-NET) syndrome

The early diagnosis of ROHHAD (-NET) syndrome is hard for pediatricians and endocrinologists because some symptoms, including rapid-onset obesity and autonomic dysfunction, are nonspecific and detected progressively. An autoimmune mechanism involving ZSCAN1 antibody is proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. However, the clinical significance of the anti-ZSCAN1 antibody titer remains unestablished.

This work aims to clarify the clinical features at onset or first visit to hospitals and the significance of anti-ZSCAN1 and anti-Nax antibody titers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in patient serum.

An observational cohort study was conducted of patients diagnosed clinically with ROHHAD (-NET) syndrome in Japan.

Obesity was observed in 72.7% of cases, while autonomic dysregulation and central hypoventilation were observed in 18.2% and 36.2% of cases, respectively. Serum prolactin levels measured at the initial consultation were significantly elevated in all cases. Antibody analyses revealed positivity in 70% of 30 cases. The anti-ZSCAN1 antibody titer associated with neural crest tumors (NCTs) was significantly higher than that without tumors. In a patient with NCT, the trend of anti-ZSCAN1 antibody titer tended to be decreased after tumor resection or immunosuppressive therapy.

This study suggests that we need to evaluate clinically and in detail the autonomic dysregulation and hypoventilation to diagnose ROHHAD (-NET) syndrome in its early stages. Additionally, anti-ZSCAN1 antibody titers reflect the association of NCTs and may serve as a potential marker for the efficacy of tumor therapy. We also propose the anti-ZSCAN1 antibody titer as an indicator for the clinical management of ROHHAD (-NET) syndrome.