Rare Pediatrics News

Disease Profile

Ichthyosis, leukocyte vacuoles, alopecia, and sclerosing cholangitis

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

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US Estimated

Europe Estimated

Age of onset

Neonatal

ICD-10

-

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

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Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

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X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

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X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

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Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

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Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

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Not applicable

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Other names (AKA)

NISCH syndrome; Neonatal ichthyosis-sclerosing cholangitis syndrome; ILVASC;

Categories

Congenital and Genetic Diseases; Digestive Diseases; Skin Diseases

Summary

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs.
orphanet

Orpha Number: 59303

Definition
Neonatal ichthyosis-sclerosing cholangitis (NISCH syndrome) is a very rare complex ichthyosis syndrome characterized by scalp hypotrichosis, scarring alopecia, ichthyosis and sclerosing cholangitis.

Epidemiology
Less than ten patients (from unrelated consanguineous Moroccan families and from Sweden) have been reported so far.

Clinical description
The ichthyosis presents with diffuse white scales sparing the skin folds, and is accompanied by scalp hypotrichosis, cicatricial alopecia, and sparse eyelashes/eyebrows. Additional manifestations may include oligodontia, hypodontia and enamel dysplasia. All patients present with neonatal sclerosing cholangitis with jaundice and pruritus, hepatomegaly, and biochemical cholestasis. Overall, the clinical picture mimics biliary atresia (see this term). Portal hypertension, patent extrahepatic bile duct obstruction and splenomegaly may also be present. Histology shows extensive fibrosis and bile duct proliferation. Leukocyte vacuolization is a common finding. The hepatic disease may have variable expressivity, ranging from a progressive disease resulting in liver failure to regression of cholestasis.

Etiology
NISCH syndrome is caused by a mutation in the CLDN1 gene coding for the tight junction protein claudin-1.

Diagnostic methods
Diagnosis is based on clinical, biochemical and histological features.

Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis should include Dorfman-Chanarin syndrome and other syndromic forms of ichthyosis (see these terms).

Genetic counseling
NISCH syndrome shows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.

Management and treatment
Treatments aim at improving symptoms and survival. Liver transplant remains the only effective treatment in case of liver failure. Ichthyosis is managed by hydration of the skin (topical application of creams and emollient oils), retinoids and sunlight exposure.

Visit the Orphanet disease page for more resources.

Symptoms

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Hepatomegaly
Enlarged liver
0002240
Ichthyosis
0008064
Jaundice
Yellow skin
Yellowing of the skin

[ more ]

0000952
Scarring alopecia of scalp
0004552
Sparse and thin eyebrow
Thin, sparse eyebrows
0000535
Sparse body hair
0002231
Sparse eyelashes
Scant eyelashes
Scanty eyelashes
Thin eyelashes

[ more ]

0000653
Sparse scalp hair
Reduced/lack of hair on scalp
Scalp hair, thinning
Sparse, thin scalp hair
sparse-absent scalp hair

[ more ]

0002209
Splenomegaly
Increased spleen size
0001744
5%-29% of people have these symptoms
Abnormality of dental enamel
Abnormal tooth enamel
Enamel abnormalities
Enamel abnormality

[ more ]

0000682
Acanthosis nigricans
Darkened and thickened skin
0000956
Hypodontia
Failure of development of between one and six teeth
0000668
Oligodontia
Failure of development of more than six teeth
0000677
Portal hypertension
0001409
Percent of people who have these symptoms is not available through HPO
Abnormality of blood and blood-forming tissues
0001871
Alopecia
Hair loss
0001596
Autosomal recessive inheritance
0000007
Cholangitis
Bile duct inflammation
0030151
Dry skin
0000958
Epidermal acanthosis
Thickening of upper layer of skin
0025092
Hypoplasia of dental enamel
Underdeveloped teeth enamel
0006297
Orthokeratosis
0040162
Parakeratosis
0001036
Thick hair
Increased hair density
0100874

Diagnosis

Making a diagnosis for a genetic or rare disease can often be challenging. Healthcare professionals typically look at a person’s medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory test results in order to make a diagnosis. The following resources provide information relating to diagnosis and testing for this condition. If you have questions about getting a diagnosis, you should contact a healthcare professional.

Testing Resources

  • The Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) provides information about the genetic tests for this condition. The intended audience for the GTR is health care providers and researchers. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.

    Organizations

    Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

    Organizations Supporting this Disease

      Learn more

      These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

      Where to Start

      • DermNetNZ provides information on ichthyosis in general. DermNetNZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated.

        In-Depth Information

        • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
        • Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 
        • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
        • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Ichthyosis, leukocyte vacuoles, alopecia, and sclerosing cholangitis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.