Bullous lesions following phototherapy in a newborn

ABSTRACT A male infant presented with progressive jaundice immediately after birth. Fecal acholia and choluria associated with extensive bullous skin lesions in his trunk, abdomen, and upper and lower limbs developed during phototherapy. Several diagnostic hypotheses were presented, including neonatal porphyria, hemochromatosis, Alagille syndrome, and neonatal lupus. A 24-hour urine sample for the dosage of urinary porphyrins was collected, showing high results (1823.6µg in 100mL). At 50 days of life, fluorescence spectroscopy using a Wood's lamp revealed simultaneous bright red fluorescence of urine-stained diapers and sample blood. A definitive diagnosis of congenital erythropoietic porphyria was made following identification of a mutation of the uroporphyrinogen synthetases III gene on genetic testing. The patient was subsequently maintained in a low light environment since then, resulting in improvement of the lesions. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria is a disease of the group of porphyrias that presents shortly after birth with blistering occurring in regions exposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light. Atrophic scars, mutilated fingers, and bright red fluorescence of the urine and teeth may also be observed. There is no specific treatment, and prophylaxis comprising a total avoidance of sunlight is generally recommended. A high degree of suspicion is required for diagnosis. An early diagnosis can lead to less damage. Here, we present the case of a newborn with congenital erythropoietic porphyria diagnosed after presenting with bullous lesions secondary to phototherapy.

Tuberous sclerosis complex: review based on new diagnostic criteria

Abstract: Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multisystemic, autosomal dominant genetic disorder with complete penetrance, that can evolve with hamartomas in multiple organs, such as skin, central nervous system, kidney and lung. Due to the wide phenotypic variability, the disease is often not recognized. Tuberous sclerosis complex affects one in 10,000 newborns and most patients are diagnosed during the first 15 months of life. The diagnostic criteria for tuberous sclerosis were reviewed in 2012, at the second International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus Conference. The diagnosis is based on genetic criteria, by the identification of inactivating pathogenic mutation of tumor suppressor genes TSC1 and TSC2, and clinical criteria, including cutaneous, renal, pulmonary, cardiac and neurological manifestations. The treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex consists, mainly, in management of the symptoms caused by hamartomas and in prevention of organ failure. Multidisciplinary approach is recommended, in order to obtain better clinical outcomes.