Transient bullous dermolysis of the newborn: a novelde novomutation in theCOL7A1gene

Self-improving dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with a novel heterozygous missense variant in the COL7A1 gene in a Taiwanese family

Self-improving dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a genodermatosis that is inherited autosomal dominantly or recessively, and its clinical symptoms may improve or subside spontaneously. Herein, we report a case of self-improving DEB with COL7A1 p.Gly2025Asp variant. The diagnosis was made through histopathological, electron microscopic examination, and genetic testing. The same variant is also noted on his father, who presents with dystrophic toenails without any blisters. This study highlights that idiopathic nail dystrophy could be linked to congenital or hereditary disease. Furthermore, we conducted a review of the literature on the characteristics of reported cases of self-improving DEB with a personal or family history of nail dystrophy. The results supported our findings that nail dystrophy may be the sole manifestation in some family members. We suggest that individuals suffering from idiopathic nail dystrophy may seek genetic counselling when planning pregnancy to early evaluate the potential risk of hereditary diseases.

Epidermolysis Bullosa—A Different Genetic Approach in Correlation with Genetic Heterogeneity

Epidermolysis bullosa is a heterogeneous group of rare genetic disorders characterized by mucocutaneous fragility and blister formation after minor friction or trauma. There are four major epidermolysis bullosa types based on the ultrastructural level of tissue cleavage: simplex, junctional, dystrophic, and Kindler epidermolysis bullosa. They are caused by mutations in genes that encode the proteins that are part of the hemidesmosomes and focal adhesion complex. Some of these disorders can be associated with extracutaneous manifestations, which are sometimes fatal. They are inherited in an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant manner. This review is focused on the phenomena of heterogeneity (locus, allelic, mutational, and clinical) in epidermolysis bullosa, and on the correlation genotype–phenotype.

Extensive Type V Aplasia Cutis Congenita Without Fetus Papyraceus or Placental Infarction: A Rare Case

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of epidermis, dermis, and sometimes subcutaneous tissue and bone. There are nine types of ACC based on the number and location of the lesions as well as the presence or absence of associated deformities, with type I ACC being the most common. Type V affects the trunk with a characteristic pattern resembling the "H" letter of the alphabet, generally accompanied by fetus papyraceus (death of one of the twin fetuses) or placental infarction. Type V ACC without fetus papyraceus and placental infarction is a rare case. We reported a case of type V ACC in a 3-day-old baby girl, with clinical manifestation of extensive ulcers on the scalp, back, buttocks, and both lower extremities, in an "H"-shaped pattern, with history of placenta accreta, but no fetus papyraceus or placental infarction was found. The patient received dialkyl carbamoyl chloride hydrophobic swab with hydrogel (Sorbact^® gel dressing-BSN Medical) and hydrocolloid wound dressing with good response, as indicated by the wounds becoming dried up, leaving an atrophic scar. Complete epithelialization was achieved in 72 days. The cause of type V ACC remains not completely understood. The diagnosis of ACC can be established based on clinical manifestations. Further examination is required if extracutaneous involvement is suspected. Early identification of the etiology of the lesions and appropriate investigation and treatment, including conservative wound management, are needed so that aplastic lesions can heal successfully, although cosmetic repair may be required at a later stage.

Self-improving dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: First report of clinical, molecular, and genetic characterization of five patients from Southeast Asia

Self-improving dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a rare subtype of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) characterized by significant improvement in skin fragility within the first few years of life. Genetic inheritance has previously been reported as autosomal dominant or recessive with both forms harboring mutations in COL7A1. To date, there have been no reports of this rare clinical entity from various Southeast Asian ethnicities. Here, we describe the clinical and molecular features of five patients from the Southeast Asia region who presented with predominantly acral-distributed blisters and erosions in the first few days of life. Blistering resolved over several months, without appearance of new blisters. By immunofluorescence, intraepidermal retention of Type VII collagen was observed in all patient skin biopsies when investigated with antibody staining. Genetic analysis of four patients revealed pathogenic variants in COL7A1 which have not been previously reported. The clinical diagnosis in these rare patients is confirmed with molecular histology and genetic characterization.

Consensus reclassification of inherited epidermolysis bullosa and other disorders with skin fragility

BACKGROUND

Several new genes and clinical subtypes have been identified since the publication in 2014 of the report of the last International Consensus Meeting on Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

OBJECTIVES

We sought to reclassify disorders with skin fragility, with a focus on EB, based on new clinical and molecular data.

METHODS

This was a consensus expert review.

RESULTS

In this latest consensus report, we introduce the concept of genetic disorders with skin fragility, of which classical EB represents the prototype. Other disorders with skin fragility, where blisters are a minor part of the clinical picture or are not seen because skin cleavage is very superficial, are classified as separate categories. These include peeling skin disorders, erosive disorders, hyperkeratotic disorders, and connective tissue disorders with skin fragility. Because of the common manifestation of skin fragility, these 'EB-related' disorders should be considered under the EB umbrella in terms of medical and socioeconomic provision of care.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed classification scheme should be of value both to clinicians and researchers, emphasizing both clinical and genetic features of EB. What is already known about this topic? Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic disorders with skin blistering. The last updated recommendations on diagnosis and classification were published in 2014. What does this study add? We introduce the concept of genetic disorders with skin fragility, of which classical EB represents the prototype. Clinical and genetic aspects, genotype-phenotype correlations, disease-modifying factors and natural history of EB are reviewed. Other disorders with skin fragility, e.g. peeling skin disorders, erosive disorders, hyperkeratotic disorders, and connective tissue disorders with skin fragility are classified as separate categories; these 'EB-related' disorders should be considered under the EB umbrella in terms of medical and socioeconomic provision of care. Linked Comment: Pope. Br J Dermatol 2020; 183:603.

Intraepidermal Type VII Collagen by Immunofluorescence Mapping: A Specific Finding for Bullous Dermolysis of the Newborn

BACKGROUND

Bullous dermolysis of the newborn (BDN) is a subtype of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) characterized by skin fragility and blister formation at birth that typically resolves within the first year of life. Abnormal intraepidermal retention of type VII collagen (C7) has been reported as a characteristic feature of BDN, but few studies have investigated the specificity of this finding.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed pathology reports of patients diagnosed with DEB using immunofluorescence mapping from January 2001 to January 2015. For cases describing intraepidermal accumulation of C7, we collected information on patient characteristics, including genetic testing results, clinical outcome, and concurrent electron microscopy findings, where available.

RESULTS

Of the 143 cases of DEB with immunofluorescence mapping, eight patients had intracytoplasmic epidermal retention of C7. Of these eight patients, two were lost to follow-up, four had complete resolution of bullae, and two had marked improvement with rare residual bullae. Concurrent electron microscopic findings available for three patients were consistent with BDN.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review of immunofluorescence mapping findings in patients with DEB found that 5.6% had abnormal intracytoplasmic epidermal retention of C7, a finding previously reported in BDN. All such patients with clinical outcomes available had resolution or marked improvement of bullae, consistent with clinical outcomes expected in BDN.