About rothmund-thomson syndrome

What is rothmund-thomson syndrome?

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome is a rare condition that affects many parts of the body, particularly the skin.

What are the symptoms for rothmund-thomson syndrome?

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that manifests in early infancy. The range and severity of symptoms may vary from case to case. RTS is typically characterized by skin rash, sparse hair, malformed bones, abnormal clouding of the lenses of the eyes (juvenile cataracts), small stature, and other physical abnormalities. Intelligence is usually normal, but some affected individuals have been reported to have intellectual disability.

Skin and hair findings: Between the ages of approximately three to six months, infants with RTS typically develop Redness (erythema) on the cheeks that may appear as patches or inflamed Plaques and may resemble sunburn or even eczema. The Redness may be accompanied by Swelling (edema). In a few cases, the Rash may be apparent earlier in life or may develop as late as at two years old. The Rash typically spreads to the arms and legs and may or may not involve the buttocks. The trunk and belly are generally spared. Over time and usually by early childhood, the Inflammation tends to recede and the skin of affected areas develops into a more chronic pattern of Rash known as poikiloderma, characterized by telangiectases (prominent, small, spider-like blood vessels); small spots of atrophy (skin tissue degeneration or thinning); and areas of Abnormal skin pigmentation alternating between increased pigment (hyperpigmentation) and decreased pigment (hypopigmentation), giving a lacy, web-like, or mottled appearance.

Sensitivity of the skin to sun exposure (photosensitivity) has been reported in some patients, and the Rash tends to affect areas that are more sun-exposed. However, it is important to note that the Rash is not always limited to sun-exposed areas (e.g., buttocks). In some cases, affected individuals report a history of Blistering (bullae) on the skin that may or may not be related to sun exposure. Blistering tends to diminish as patients reach late childhood.

One of the other skin manifestations of RTS that tends to be more prominent in adulthood is a condition called hyperkeratosis, where certain areas such as the palms and soles, knees and sometimes around the fingers or toes, become thickened and overgrown and develop a rough, wart-like (verrucous) texture. In severe cases, large, verrucous overgrowth of certain areas may cause significant Discomfort or restriction of activities.

In addition, many patients with RTS have sparse scalp hair, and some may have complete baldness (alopecia). In many cases, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair may also be sparse or absent. In some patients, the nails may be malformed (dystrophic) and/or unusually small (hypoplastic).

Ophthalmologic findings: Between the ages of approximately two to seven years of age, some children with RTS may also develop sudden clouding of the lenses of both eyes (bilateral juvenile cataracts). Such cataracts typically are opaque, semisolid, white dots appearing on one broad or narrow area of an otherwise clear lens (zonular or lamellar cataract). Development of such cataracts may result in severe visual impairment or loss within weeks, and prompt surgical intervention by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) can usually restore vision.

Growth and development: A large percentage of individuals with RTS experience abnormally slow growth before and after birth (prenatal and postnatal growth retardation), leading to mild to moderate small stature. This small stature is symmetrical for height and weight, and patients have proportional development of the upper and lower body.

Bone and teeth abnormalities: A large percentage of patients have bone abnormalities that may or may not be visible clinically. One of the most obvious abnormalities is a radial ray defect, which is manifest as small, malformed or missing thumbs or shortened forearms. Other bones in the body, particularly those in the arms, hands, and legs, can also be abnormally formed, shortened, or fused, and some of these bone findings can only be seen on x-rays. Some patients may also have characteristic abnormalities of the craniofacial area including a prominent forehead (frontal bossing) or a sunken nasal bridge (saddle nose). Patients may also have decreased bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis) which in severe cases could lead to fractures. The teeth in patients with RTS may be small or malformed.

Gastrointestinal and feeding problems: Many infants and young children with RTS experience gastrointestinal disturbances including non-specific Vomiting and Diarrhea that are often attributed to intolerance of milk or formula. Some patients require feeding tubes to maintain nutritional intake. However, in virtually all cases, these issues resolve by later childhood.

Cancer: Individuals with RTS have an increased risk of developing cancer, particularly osteosarcoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (squamous and basal cell carcinomas). While these are the most frequent cancers encountered in RTS, there have been a few patients reported who developed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region and hematologic malignancies such as leukemia.

Fertility: Some individuals with RTS may demonstrate hypogonadism, a condition characterized by deficient activity of the gonads (i.e., ovaries in females or testes in males). As a result, affected females may experience irregular menstruation, while both affected males and females may have delayed sexual development. In those affected individuals with hypogonadism, fertility may be reduced; however, some patients (both male and female) have had children.

What are the causes for rothmund-thomson syndrome?

Rothmund-Thompson syndrome is a genetic disorder that is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Approximately 2/3 of individuals with RTS are found to have an abnormality (mutation) in the RECQL4 gene. This gene is responsible for production of a protein whose function is not completely understood but is involved in the replication and repair of DNA, the genetic material in the cells of the body. Since about 1/3 of affected individuals do not have detectable mutations in this gene, other as yet undiscovered genes are probably also associated with RTS.

Autosomal recessive genetic disorders occur when an individual inherits two copies of an abnormal gene for the same trait, one from each parent. If an individual receives one normal gene and one abnormal (mutated) gene, the person will be a carrier for the disease but usually will not show symptoms. The risk for two carrier parents to both pass the mutated gene onto an affected child is 25% with each pregnancy. The risk to have a child who is a carrier like the parents is 50% with each pregnancy. The chance for a child to receive normal genes from both parents and be genetically normal for that particular trait is 25%. The risk is the same for males and females. Parents who are close relatives (consanguineous) have a higher chance than unrelated parents to both carry the same abnormal gene, which increases the risk of having children with the disease.

What are the treatments for rothmund-thomson syndrome?

The treatment of Rothmund-Thomson syndrome is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. Treatment may require the coordinated efforts of a team of specialists. Pediatricians, surgeons, physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin (dermatologists), doctors who specialize in genetic disorders (geneticists), eye specialists (ophthalmologists), specialists who diagnose and treat bone disorders (orthopedists), dental specialists, and/or other health care professionals may need to systematically and comprehensively plan an affected child’s management.

Specific therapies for the treatment of RTS are symptomatic and supportive. Special measures may be recommended to protect affected individuals from sun exposure (e.g., use of topical sunscreens, sunglasses, etc.). Because patients are prone to developing skin cancer (e.g., squamous or basal cell carcinomas), physicians may closely monitor affected skin areas to ensure prompt detection and treatment of skin malignancies.

In addition, because some individuals with RTS are more prone to developing certain non-skin related malignancies (e.g., osteosarcoma) than the general population, physicians may closely monitor affected individuals to ensure early detection and prompt, appropriate treatment. Effective therapies for osteosarcoma and other cancers are currently available, and it appears that patients with RTS are able to tolerate these therapies similar to cancer patients in the general population.

Because serious visual impairment or loss may result from cataracts, infants and children with RTS should be closely monitored by pediatricians and ophthalmologists to ensure immediate detection of cataracts and prompt, appropriate treatment. Surgical removal of opacified lenses can be performed to prevent serious visual impairment or loss.

Dental abnormalities potentially occurring in association with RTS may be treated through surgery, use of dentures and other artificial devices (prosthetics), and/or other supportive techniques.

Pulsed dye laser has been used for the cosmetic management of the telangiectatic component of the rash.

Genetic counseling is recommended for affected individuals and their families. Other treatment for this disorder is symptomatic and supportive.

What are the risk factors for rothmund-thomson syndrome?

Rothmund-thomson syndrome affects various parts of the body such as skin, teeth and hair, eyes, and bones.

  • It is a genetic disorder developed by the mutation of the RECQL-4 gene and inherited through the autosomal recessive pattern( the child carries one affected gene from each parent).
  • The infant affected by this syndrome develops a red, blistering rash on the face that may later spread to arms, legs buttocks, and cause small clusters of blood vessels under the skin, patchy skin coloring, and thinning of the skin.
  • A person affected with this disorder is also prone to various life-threatening cancers.

The risk associated with Rothmud-thomson syndrome:

  • Osteosarcoma: is a type of bone cancer that develops in the cells that form the bones. This cancer is usually found in the legs cell; however, sometimes it can also spread to arms and any other cell connected to the bone. Bone pain and swelling in the painful area are common symptoms of the Rothmud-Thomson syndrome.
  • Basal skin cancer: It often develops on the skin that is more exposed to the sun such as the hands and face. Basal skin helps to renew cells as the old cell dies. Limited sun exposure prevents these cells from being cancerous.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: It is a skin cancer that develops on the outer and middle layer of the skin. However, it is not life-threatening, but if it is left untreated, it spreads all over the body and causes serious problems.

Symptoms
Slow growth,Short heigh than average,Little or no hair, including eyelashes or eyebrows
Conditions
Redblisters rash on the infant's face that over time reaches the entire body
Drugs
Sunscreen with UVA and UVB

Is there a cure/medications for rothmund-thomson syndrome?

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome is a genetic disorder developed by the mutation of the RECQL-4 gene and inherited through the autosomal recessive pattern( the child carries one affected gene from each parent). There is no standard cure for Rothmud-Thomson syndrome, but the following methods can help to manage it.

Treatments and cures for the Rothmund-Thomson syndrome:

  • UVA and UVB: since a child affected with syndrome already have thin skin and can be affected by the sun more. So, he/she should have a layer of UVA and UVB sunscreen to avoid direct contact with the sun. Sunscreen should be applied to the victims even if they are not exposed to the sun.
  • Pulsed dye laser: A bean of yellow light is used to target the blood vessel. This light is often converted into heat and targets the blood vessels and destroys them, leaving clear skin behind. However, the yellow light used by the laser is completely safe.
  • Surgical removal: the surgeon will remove the affected part of the skin. The treated skin should get continuous medical sitting and dressing to avoid any unwanted and unfruitful results.


Symptoms
Slow growth,Short heigh than average,Little or no hair, including eyelashes or eyebrows
Conditions
Redblisters rash on the infant's face that over time reaches the entire body
Drugs
Sunscreen with UVA and UVB

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