Hypotrichosis-Lymphedema-Telangiectasia Syndrome

Alternative Names

  • HLTS

Associated Genes

SRY-Box 18
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WHO-ICD-10 version:2010

Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities

Other congenital malformations

OMIM Number

607823

Mode of Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Gene Map Locus

20q13.33

Description

Hypotrichosis Lymphedema Telangiectasia Syndrome (HLTS) is a rare disorder characterized, as the name suggests, by the triad of sparse hair, childhood onset-lymphedema, and telangiectasia.  The telangiectasia is particularly prominent on the palms of the hands.  Lymphedemas are manifested by the disturbances in the maintenance of proper vasculature, especially in the lower limbs and eyelids.  Defects in hair follicle development lead to progressive scalp hair loss and the absence of eyebrows and eyelashes.  Some patients have been known to develop renal functional abnormalities later on in childhood. 

Diagnosis is based on the clinical features and upon molecular diagnostics for confirmation.  Treatment is symptomatic and varies from patient to patient.  

Molecular Genetics

Mutations in the SOX18 gene have been shown to cause HLTS.  The SOX18 protein is a transcription factor that is involved in lymphangiogenesis, angiogenesis, cardiovascular development, and hair follicle formation.  It is thus clear to see how defects in the proper functioning of this protein could lead to the phenotype of HLTS.  Missense mutations in the gene tend to lead to a dominant mode of transmission, while nonsense mutations have been found to result in a recessively inherited phenotype.  

Epidemiology in the Arab World

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Other Reports

Jordan

Bastaki et al (2016) described a Jordanian child with HLTS.  The boy was born to non-consanguineous healthy parents.  An antenatal US had shown ascites with mild pericardial effusion and chylothorax.  He was found to have alopecia and abnormal skin colour at birth.  Developmental history was normal.  Evaluation at 11-months of age revealed the presence of distinct craniofacial features, including microcephaly, periorbital swelling, and absence of eyebrows and eyelashes.  He was found to have alopecia totalis, and multiple hemangiomas on the scalp, nape, over the left eyelid, on the back and the scrotal skin.  Renal function appeared to be normal.  Whole exome sequencing enabled the identification of a novel de novo mutation in the patient within the SOX18 gene, thereby confirming the diagnosis of HLTS.  

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