Harlequin ichthyosis is a rare, congenital skin condition. It affects the skin over almost the whole body of an infant, and carries a high risk of neonatal death due to severe and life-threatening infection.

The incidence of the condition is about one in every 500,000 people. Both males and females are affected equally.

Genetics of HI

The disease is caused by a mutation of the ABCA12 gene. This gene helps to direct the production of the ABCA12 protein involved in transporting fats within the epidermis, which is essential for normal skin synthesis. Various mutations are found. Some can shut down the manufacture of this protein, or induce the production of an abnormal form of the protein.

The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. That is, patients with harlequin ichthyosis have two copies of the mutated genes, one inherited from each parent. If two people with the mutation have a child, there is a 25% chance that the child will be affected. The parents are carriers of the mutated gene and show no sign of the disease because they have one normal copy which compensates for the defective one.

Signs and symptoms

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Normal skin acts as a waterproof, protective but highly flexible barrier between the body and the environment. It helps to regulate many body functions, and is responsible for the sense of touch. These benefits are challenged in harlequin ichthyosis.

In harlequin ichthyosis, premature birth is common. The infant is born encased in extremely thick skin formed into large plates rather like armor, instead of a continuous sheet of thin pliable skin. This appearance is due to the presence of an abnormally hard thickened integument, which is severely cracked or fissured. The cracks are so deep as to expose the subcutaneous tissues.

The infant with this condition faces life-threatening risks associated with preterm birth, as well as those due to the presence of numerous and deep skin fissures, which result in the loss of the regulatory and protective functions of the skin.

For these reasons, the infant is usually placed in the neonatal intensive care unit immediately after birth.

Complications of HI

External deformities

The child’s appearance is distorted by the rigid skin. Thus some infants may have no apparent external ears, or deformed ears, because the abnormal skin draws them tightly inwards.

The eyes and the eyelids are often affected in various ways. In some, the eyelids cannot close properly. In others the swollen eyelids obscure the eye area.

The mucous membranes of the eyes may be permanently exposed (ectropion) due to such anomalies, leading to the development of dry eyes.

Some neonates may have the red oral mucosa exposed (eclabium) because the taut skin draws the lips outwards in a fixed grimace.  

The hands and feet may be smaller than usual, with restricted mobility of fingers and toes.

Breathing

Individuals with harlequin ichthyosis often suffer from respiratory problems or even respiratory failure. This is due to the restriction of chest movement by the tight thick skin.  

Eating

Infants born with the condition may have to be fed with a tube through the nose in early neonatal life, as their ability to suck and swallow is restricted.

Dehydration

The deeply fissured skin allows the loss of excessive amounts of salt and water, which may result in severe dehydration. This in turn affects the regulation of body temperature and may induce hypothermia.

Infection

Life-threatening infections may set in within the early days of life due to the entry of pathogens through the disrupted skin barrier.

Diagnosis and treatment

The condition is diagnosed by the characteristic skin findings at birth or in infancy. In milder cases it may resemble some other diseases such as eczema.

Sometimes it can be diagnosed in utero by a 3D-ultrasonography. Neonates require a moist  environment with careful handling in an isolated incubator at birth.

The skin should be kept soft by constant application of petrolatum-based creams. Older children should be treated with daily long baths with bath oils added to the water.

Lubricant ointments are required. Keratolytics are also used to peel off and reduce the thickness of the skin due to the excessive growth of the superficial stratum corneum. This will increase the softness and suppleness of the skin. Oral retinoids are useful in severe cases but their use should be monitored.

The thick plates of skin gradually peel off over several weeks. The skin appears very red and shiny from the peeling.

Physiotherapy benefits some patients who suffer from restricted mobility. Other treatments may be needed; for instance, counseling can help patients cope with the psychological challenges of the disease.

Other important aspects include the prevention of infection, dehydration and drying out of the cornea. When required, the skin may have to be incised to allow proper circulation and thoracic movement.

References:

• Genetics Home Reference from the US National Library of Medicine: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/harlequin-ichthyosis
• National Organization for Rare Diseases: http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/ichthyosis-harlequin-type/
• Orphanet: http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?Expert=457
• Ichthyosis Support Group: http://www.ichthyosis.org.uk/harlequin-ichthyosis-2/

Further Reading

• All Harlequin ichthyosis Content

Written by

Deborah Fields

Deborah holds a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from the University of Birmingham and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism qualification from Cardiff University. She enjoys writing about the latest innovations. Previously she has worked as an editor of scientific patent information, an education journalist and in communications for innovative healthcare, pharmaceutical and technology organisations. She also loves books and has run a book group for several years. Her enjoyment of fiction extends to writing her own stories for pleasure.