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Biomedical subjects

C Bodemer

Publications and source records attributed to C Bodemer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Dermoid cysts revealed by meningitis with medullary compression].

UNLABELLED: The spinal dermal sinus tracts in the lumbosacral region are not usually recognized, especially when they are not associated with other cutaneous lesions. In these sites, the sinus tracts communicate with the dura in 90% of cases, leading to an important risk of meningitis. CASE REPORTS: Two infants (9 and 12 months old) were hospitalized for meningitis. The hospitalization was preceded two weeks earlier by stubborn constipation, which revealed a neural compression. The physical and MRI examination showed a lumbosacral sinus in contact with a dermoid or an epidermoid tumor. These cysts were infected with anaerobic organisms. Despite surgery and antibiotic therapy, one child remained paraplegic. CONCLUSION: Dermal sinuses above the intergluteal crease should be surgically excised at the time of diagnosis in all patients, regardless of the patient's age or neurologic findings.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

[Papular filariasis].

UNLABELLED: 'River blindness' is the main problem of onchocerciasis. Despite a high prevalence of onchocerciasis in endemic countries, cases of imported cutaneous or ocular onchocerciasis in France are rare. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a chronic papular onchodermatitis with voluminous lymphadenopathy in a Cameroonian child, resolving with a treatment of ivermectin. CONCLUSION: The main symptom of cutaneous onchocerciasis is pruritus, which symptom may alert physicians when dealing with patients who come from endemic countries for onchocerciasis. Cutaneous aspects may vary depending on length of exposure to antigens and immune responses by the host against microfilariae. Nowadays, onchocerciasis is treated with a single dose of ivermectin, which is sufficient for eye and cutaneous symptoms. However, this therapy is efficient only against microfilariae, and treatments have to be repeated many times to avoid relapses linked to persistence of adult worms.

Adolescent↗

X-linked anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency is caused by impaired NF-kappaB signaling.

The molecular basis of X-linked recessive anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency (EDA-ID) has remained elusive. Here we report hypomorphic mutations in the gene IKBKG in 12 males with EDA-ID from 8 kindreds, and 2 patients with a related and hitherto unrecognized syndrome of EDA-ID with osteopetrosis and lymphoedema (OL-EDA-ID). Mutations in the coding region of IKBKG are associated with EDA-ID, and stop codon mutations, with OL-EDA-ID. IKBKG encodes NEMO, the regulatory subunit of the IKK (IkappaB kinase) complex, which is essential for NF-kappaB signaling. Germline loss-of-function mutations in IKBKG are lethal in male fetuses. We show that IKBKG mutations causing OL-EDA-ID and EDA-ID impair but do not abolish NF-kappaB signaling. We also show that the ectodysplasin receptor, DL, triggers NF-kappaB through the NEMO protein, indicating that EDA results from impaired NF-kappaB signaling. Finally, we show that abnormal immunity in OL-EDA-ID patients results from impaired cell responses to lipopolysaccharide, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-18, TNFalpha and CD154. We thus report for the first time that impaired but not abolished NF-kappaB signaling in humans results in two related syndromes that associate specific developmental and immunological defects.

Adolescent↗

Neonatal and infantile erythrodermas: a retrospective study of 51 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of the various underlying causes of erythroderma in newborns or infants, as well as which clinical or laboratory findings were relevant for the etiological diagnosis. PATIENTS: Fifty-one patients who presented with exfoliative erythroderma during their first year of life were included in this retrospective study. SETTING: Department of Pediatric Dermatology at a university hospital. RESULTS: On average, the etiological diagnosis was established 11 months after the onset of erythroderma. The underlying causes observed included immunodeficiency (30%), simple or complex ichthyosis (24%), Netherton syndrome (18%), and eczematous or papulosquamous dermatitis (20%). Five patients (10%) had erythroderma of unknown origin. The following parameters were of value in determining the underlying cause of erythroderma: congenital onset, skin induration and the presence of large scaling plaques, alopecia with or without hair dysplasia, evolution, response to topical corticosteroid therapy, presence of infections, and failure to thrive. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis in only 19 (45%) of 42 cases. However, it proved of great value for the detection of significant lymphocyte infiltration or keratinocyte necrosis indicating a diagnosis of Omenn syndrome or immunodeficiency. The prognosis was poor in this series: the mortality rate was 16%, and severe dermatosis persisted in 29 (67%) of the survivors. CONCLUSIONS: The etiological diagnosis of neonatal erythroderma is difficult to make; some clinical features may be helpful, but no one feature is characteristic of a cause. An immunodeficiency must be suspected in cases of severe erythroderma with skin induration, severe alopecia, failure to thrive, infectious complications, or evocative histological findings. The prognosis is poor, with a high rate of mortality in immunodeficiency disorders and severe chronic disease in Netherton syndrome and psoriasis.

Dermatitis, Exfoliative↗

Cutaneous involvement in patients with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia: a clinical, immunohistological, and molecular analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cutaneous involvement in patients with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia (AILD) is related to a clonal T-cell proliferation. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospitals. PATIENTS: Ten patients with AILD and cutaneous involvement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The T-cell receptor-gamma (TCRG)gene rearrangement was studied with the use of polymerase chain reaction and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis in blood, nodal, and skin samples. Skin and nodal samples were investigated also for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) RNA by in situ hybridization. RESULTS: A transient morbilliform eruption of the trunk was seen most often. Other cutaneous features were infiltrated plaques and purpuric or urticarial lesions. A clonal TCRG gene rearrangement was detected in 7 skin samples, corresponding to a maculopapular eruption with a histological pattern of nonspecific mild lymphoid dermal infiltrate in 6 patients, and to erythematous plaques with histological findings of typical cutaneous lymphoma in 1 patient. In the 5 patients in whom a TCRG gene rearrangement was evidenced in skin and lymph node samples, identical clones were detected in both. Five patients died by the end of the study, with a mean survival of 33.2 months. Four of these 5 patients had a clonal infiltrate in skin and lymph nodes. The EBV RNA was detected in only 1 of 10 skin biopsy specimens and in 5 of 8 lymph nodes tested. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous involvement is often related to a clonal T-cell proliferation in AILD, even when clinical and histological features are nonspecific. Cutaneous infiltrate seems to be clonally related to the nodal T-cell proliferation. The role of EBV infection in skin lesions was not evidenced.

Adult↗

Mutations in SPINK5, encoding a serine protease inhibitor, cause Netherton syndrome.

We describe here eleven different mutations in SPINK5, encoding the serine protease inhibitor LEKTI, in 13 families with Netherton syndrome (NS, MIM256500). Most of these mutations predict premature termination codons. These results disclose a critical role of SPINK5 in epidermal barrier function and immunity, and suggest a new pathway for high serum IgE levels and atopic manifestations.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Linkage of Marie-Unna hypotrichosis locus to chromosome 8p21 and exclusion of 10 genes including the hairless gene by mutation analysis.

Marie-Unna hypotrichosis (MU) is a rare autosomal dominant congenital alopecia characterised by progressive hair loss starting in early childhood, often aggravated at puberty and leading to scarring alopecia of variable severity. We have studied three multigeneration families of Belgian, British and French descent. The human genome was screened with microsatellite markers spaced at 10-cM intervals and significant evidence for linkage to the disease was observed on chromosome 8p21, with a maximum two-point lod score of 8.26 for D8S1786 at a recombination fraction of 0. Recombinants narrowed the region of interest to a genetic interval of about 12 cM flanked by markers D8S280 and D8S1839. This interval contains the hairless gene which is mutated in autosomal recessive congenital atrichia. Sequencing of the entire coding region and intronic splice sites of the hairless gene in these three families and in two unrelated familial cases revealed several polymorphic changes but failed to identify causative mutations. Nine other genes located within this region and expressed in skin were also excluded by mutation analysis. Together with a recent linkage study performed in a Dutch and a British family by van Steensel et al these results provide evidence for the presence of a gene distinct from hairless in chromosomal region 8p21 playing an important role in hair follicle biology.

Alopecia↗

Role of cytotoxic T cells in chronic alopecia areata.

Cytokines play a role in alopecia areata. We used immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies to demonstrate the persistence of pro-inflammatory as well as apoptotic mechanisms in skin biopsies from patients with chronic alopecia areata. In situ hybridization allows the visualization of the distribution of immunocompetent cells in vivo. We studied skin biopsies from 11 untreated alopecia areata patients and two normal controls. In situ hybridization was performed on frozen sections using 35S-radio-labeled riboprobes, specific for IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, INFgamma, and granzyme B mRNA. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using an anti-IL-1beta monoclonal antibody, and a monoclonal antibody directed against the human Fas protein. We demonstrated the presence of cells labeled with IL-1beta, IL-6, INFgamma, and granzyme B antisense probes. Similarly, cells labeled with anti-IL-1beta were found in 10 of 11 cases. The labeled cells were located in the mononuclear peri- and intrafollicular infiltrate. Cells expressing granzyme B were found in close contact with the follicle. Fas positivity was demonstrated in four of four cases at the level of the cytoplasmic membrane of the hair follicle keratinocytes. These results, based on visualizing the labeled cells, demonstrate that pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced by the mononuclear cell infiltrate in close contact with follicles in alopecia areata. Furthermore, they demonstrate for the first time that apoptotic mechanisms involving granzyme B and Fas-Fas ligand pathways may play a major role in the persistence of chronic alopecia areata.

Alopecia Areata↗

Localization of the Netherton syndrome gene to chromosome 5q32, by linkage analysis and homozygosity mapping.

Netherton syndrome (NS [MIM 256500]) is a rare and severe autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital ichthyosis, a specific hair-shaft defect (trichorrhexis invaginata), and atopic manifestations. Infants with this syndrome often fail to thrive; life-threatening complications result in high postnatal mortality. We report the assignment of the NS gene to chromosome 5q32, by linkage analysis and homozygosity mapping in 20 families affected with NS. Significant evidence for linkage (maximum multipoint LOD score 10.11) between markers D5S2017 and D5S413 was obtained, with no evidence for locus heterogeneity. Analysis of critical recombinants mapped the NS locus between markers D5S463 and D5S2013, within an <3.5-cM genetic interval. The NS locus is telomeric to the cytokine gene cluster in 5q31. The five known genes encoding casein kinase Ialpha, the alpha subunit of retinal rod cGMP phosphodiesterase, the regulator of mitotic-spindle assembly, adrenergic receptor beta2, and the diastrophic dysplasia sulfate-transporter gene, as well as the 38 expressed-sequence tags mapped within the critical region, are not obvious candidates. Our study is the first step toward the positional cloning of the NS gene. This finding promises a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control epidermal differentiation and immunity.

Adolescent↗

Skin elastic fibers in Williams syndrome.

The elastin gene is consistently deleted in Williams syndrome and as this protein represents the major component of the elastic fibers of the dermis, we sought to investigate skin elastic fibers in Williams syndrome as a key to unraveling extracellular matrix disorganization in this condition. Both morphometric parameters analyzed by using automated image analysis and immunofluorescence labeling with monoclonal antibodies against elastin and fibrillin 1 showed a disorganized pre-elastic (oxytalan and elaunin) and mature elastic fibers in the dermis of 10 Williams syndrome patients compared with five healthy children and one patient with isolated supravalvular aortic stenosis. Skin biopsies in Williams syndrome patients provide a simple mean to elucidate extracellular matrix anomalies. Hopefully, this method could give clues to the understanding of the elastic network anomalies in this condition and even to the consequences of these latter on elasticity and resilience of other tissues such as the arterial tree.

Adolescent↗

Prognostic factors in primary cutaneous lymphomas other than mycosis fungoides and the Sézary syndrome. The French Study Group on Cutaneous Lymphomas.

Prognostic studies of primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) other than mycosis fungoides (MF) and the Sézary syndrome (SS; non-MF/SS PCL) have been mainly performed on subgroups or on small numbers of patients by using univariate analyses. Our aim was to identify independent prognostic factors in a large series of patients with non-MF/SS PCL. We evaluated 158 patients who were registered in the French Study Group on Cutaneous Lymphomas database from January 1, 1986 to March 1, 1997. Variables analyzed for prognostic value were: age; sex; type of clinical lesions; maximum diameter, location, and number of skin lesions; cutaneous distribution (ie, local, regional, or generalized); prognostic group according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) classification for PCL; B- or T-cell phenotype; serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level; and B symptoms. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using a model of relative survival. Forty-nine patients (31%) died. The median relative survival time was 81 months. In univariate analysis, EORTC prognostic group, serum LDH level, B symptoms, and variables related to tumor extension (ie, distribution, maximum diameter, and number of skin lesions) were significantly associated with survival. When these variables were considered together in a multivariate analysis, EORTC prognostic group and distribution of skin lesions remained statistically significant, independent prognostic factors. This study confirms the good predictive value of the EORTC classification for PCL and shows that the distribution of skin lesions at initial evaluation is an important prognostic indicator.

Adolescent↗

Hair and skin disorders as signs of mitochondrial disease.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and explore the skin manifestations of mitochondrial disorders in 14 children with puzzling and unexpected cutaneous presentations. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred forty children with mitochondrial disorders who had been under observation in our hospital for the last 10 years, were carefully examined by the same physicians. Skin and hair characteristics were investigated by the same dermatologist. All the children developed an early unexplained association of symptoms. Metabolic screening for abnormal oxidative-reduction in plasma and mitochondrial enzyme investigations confirmed the diagnosis of oxidative phosphorylation disorders. RESULTS: Fourteen children with mitochondrial disorders (10% of the original cohort) developed specific hair and skin abnormalities. Their cutaneous manifestations were similar, and could be classified into four categories: hair abnormalities, rashes and pigmentation disorders, hypertrichosis, and acrocyanosis. In 3 cases, skin disorders constituted the puzzling and unexpected manifestations of mitochondrial disease. Respiratory chain deficiencies in the cultured skin fibroblasts of 3 patients and heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA rearrangement in the skin fibroblasts of 1 patient indicated that mitochondrial disorders may be expressed in the skin. CONCLUSION: Hair abnormalities and pigmented skin eruptions might belong to the broad spectrum of presenting symptoms of mitochondrial disease. The association of these dermatologic lesions with unrelated disorders should lead physicians to consider a diagnosis of mitochondriopathy as early as possible.

Age of Onset↗

[Scleroderma in children: a retrospective study of 70 cases].

BACKGROUND: Scleroderma is uncommon in childhood. The aim of our study was to analyze the frequency of different clinical forms, their prognostic significance, biological features, and co-morbidities and to assess the pertinence of therapeutic options. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The files of 70 children with primary scleroderma seen from 1980 to 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Localized scleroderma was observed in 56 children and diffuse lesions in 14. Localized scleroderma (44 girls, 12 boys) began early at a mean age of 7 years 2 months. The lesions presented as isolated bands (39 p. 100), associated with morphea (36 p. 100), or multiple morphea (5 p. 100). Mean duration of the clinical course was longer in cases with more and deeper lesions. Eosinophilia was observed at onset in 38 p. 100 of the cases and antinuclear antibodies were found in 28 p. 100. Local corticosteroid therapy (level I or II) appeared to be useful in the superficial and active lesions (morphea) but did not halt progression to deep scleroderma. General corticosteroid therapy (1 mg/kg/24 h) did not prevent the development of sequelae in cases with bands (16/16). Diffuse scleroderma corresponded to systemic scleroderma (6 cases), dual morbidity (dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease) (6 cases), or scleroderma after eosinophil fasciitis (2 cases). Age at onset was around 9 years with female predominance. A particular gloves and socks form was observed and cardiac involvement was common, but there was no case of renal involvement. The therapeutic problems were similar to those in adults. DISCUSSION: Our findings emphasize that scleroderma occurs readily in childhood, unlike what has been reported 10 years ago. Prognosis depends on functional impairment resulting from major sequelae particularly important in localized forms and the life-threatening situations occurring in systemic forms.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗