Chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation and childhood-onset skin necrosis resulting from homozygosity for a protein C Gla domain mutation,Arg15Trp

A toddler of Haitian descent presented with an 18-month history of chronic consumption coagulopathy, followed by catastrophic skin necrosis. Protein C deficiency (1% to 3% of control) was noted by functional assay; chromogenic assay and antigen levels were 30% of control. Plasma infusion abrogated the disseminated intravascular coagulation-like state. The authors identified a homozygous mutation, C1432T, resulting in a missense, Arg15Trp, in the gamma-carboxyglutamate domain of the protein. Chronic consumption coagulopathy without purpura fulminans or venous thrombosis is a rare presentation of defective protein C pathway. The result of this mutation is a mixed type I (low antigen) and type II (low function) phenotype.     

Long-term survival of a child with homozygous protein C deficiency successfully treated with living donor liver transplantation

Abstract:  Homozygous protein C deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder often presenting with purpura fulminans. Fresh frozen plasma and oral anticoagulation have been used in the treatment of this disease. Lately, protein C concentrate has become the treatment of choice. However, protein C concentrate is not yet widely available in many countries. We report a six-month-old girl with homozygous protein C deficiency who had suffered from frequent thrombotic episodes. She was successfully treated with living donor liver transplantation. Eight years after the transplantation, she remains symptom free. As described here, the liver transplantation offers an alternative curative treatment for children with homozygous protein C deficiency.     

Severe congenital protein C deficiency: description of a new mutation and prophylactic protein C therapy and in vivo pharmacokinetics

Severe congenital protein C deficiency is a rare life-threatening disorder that presents with purpura fulminans, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and thrombotic complications during the neonatal period. Affected children require acute replacement therapy with fresh frozen plasma or protein C concentrate, for example, Ceprotin (Baxter AG, Vienna). Long-term management and outcome is dependent on effective anticoagulation with warfarin, low-molecular weight heparin, or protein C concentrate. We describe the successful use of intravenous protein C concentrate for thrombotic prophylaxis in 2 sisters with severe type I protein C deficiency. Individualized long-term prophylactic regimens were developed based on clinical response. In vivo pharmacokinetic analyses of protein C concentrate were performed in each patient. Analysis of the protein C gene coding sequences identified 2 mutations in both patients, the previously described Arg169 to Trp mutation, and a novel mutation that changes Cys17 into a stop codon.     

Severe protein S deficiency associated with heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation in a child with purpura fulminans

Homozygous or compound heterozygous protein S (PS) deficiency is very rare in the population; only 8 patients from 6 different families have been reported. On the other hand, the factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation is a frequent cause of inherited prothrombotic disorder. Here the authors report a case of patient with severe PS deficiency associated with the FVL mutation who has had purpura fulminans since the age of 10 days. She is the first child of a consanguineous marriage. Her father is double heterozygous for PS deficiency and FVL mutation and has recurrent thrombosis. This is the first case of severe PS deficiency combined with the FVL mutation. This suggests the need for complete evaluation of patients with purpura fulminans for thrombotic factors.     

Homozygous protein C deficiency: early treatment with warfarin

We present a case of homozygous protein C deficiency with neonatal purpura fulminans and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) starting shortly after birth. In addition, the infant had vitreal eye hemorrhages and intraparenchymal brain infarction, apparently as intrauterine events. Within 15 hours of institution of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) infusions the DIC resolved and the progression of purpura fulminans reversed. Warfarin (0.4 mg/kg/day) was started on the fifth day of life, followed by gradual tapering of the FFP infusions. There were no recurrences of purpura, areas of skin necrosis healed without the need for skin grafting, and the areas of brain infarction resolved without apparent sequelae. The eye and brain lesions may be intrauterine events and appear to be a regular feature of this syndrome. Family studies are essential to establish the diagnosis, although there may be no family history of thromboembolic events, as in this case. Homozygous protein C deficiency is a rare disorder, but one in which early recognition and intervention may be lifesaving. Ours is the youngest patient yet reported to be treated with warfarin anticoagulation. We were thus able to avoid the complications of long-term plasma therapy as well as the potential thrombotic complications of central venous catheter placement.     

Neonatal purpura fulminans due to homozygous protein C deficiency

Severe and recurrent purpura fulminans developed in a Turkish boy at 1 week of age. Initial coagulation studies performed were compatible with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Subsequent investigations showed that the patient had homozygous and his healthy parents had heterozygous protein C deficiency. The episodes of purpura fulminans were controlled by infusions of fresh frozen plasma and heparinization. Oral anticoagulant therapy was given in the symptom-free period.     

Effect of Trp64Arg mutation of the β3-adrenergic receptor gene and C161T substitution of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ gene on obesity in Japanese children

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a multifactorial syndrome influenced by both genetic and behavioral factors. Trp64Arg mutation of the beta3-adrenergic receptor (AR) gene and C161T substitution of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma gene have been reported to be associated with obesity or lipid metabolism in adults. However, the effects of these mutations on children have not yet been clarified. For this reason, we studied the effects of Trp64Arg mutation of the beta3-AR gene and C161T substitution of the PPARgamma gene on obesity in Japanese children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In order to determine the effects of Trp64Arg mutation of the beta3-AR gene and C161T substitution of the PPARgamma gene on obesity in children, 105 obese Japanese children were screened by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis. Plasma lipid, apolipo-protein (apo), glucose, insulin and leptin levels were also determined. RESULTS: Obese boys with Trp64Arg showed a higher obesity index and lower plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apoA-I and apoA-II than those of them without the mutation. Obese boys with both mutations showed a higher plasma leptin level than those with only the beta3-AR gene mutation or PPARgamma gene mutation. No significant effect of these mutations was found in obese girls. CONCLUSION: All of these data suggest that Trp64Arg mutation of the beta3-AR gene might affect obesity and HDL metabolism in obese boys. In contrast, C161T mutation of the PPARgamma gene, by itself, is unlikely to influence obesity, lipid metabolism or plasma leptin levels.     

Impaired IgG responses in a child with homozygous C2 deficiency and recurrent pneumococcal septicaemia

Homozygous deficiency of the second component of complement (C2) is the most common inherited deficiency of complement. Although C2 deficiency has been detected in asymptomatic individuals, patients usually present with either autoimmune disease or recurrent pyogenic infection, particularly due to encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis. Interestingly, infection is the most common mode of presentation of C2 deficiency in young children (1). An association between C2 deficiency and IgG subclass deficiency has also been previously described. We now report a female child with C2 deficiency that presented at the age of 3 mo with recurrent pneumococcal septicaemia. Although IgG subclass levels were normal, specific IgG responses to vaccination against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae were significantly impaired.     

Diagnosis and treatment of a newborn with homozygous protein C deficiency

The case is reported of a seriously affected newborn with homozygous protein C deficiency who developed neonatal purpura fulminans. Foetal ultrasound at 33 wk of gestation revealed ventriculomegaly. The first lesions appeared on the scalp 48 h after birth. She was initially treated with fresh-frozen plasma and, after the diagnosis was confirmed, with purified protein C concentrate. After skin necrosis had healed, therapy was continued with oral warfarin. The infant was homozygous for protein C W380G mutation. Diagnosis at the DNA level gave the parents an option of reliable prenatal diagnosis in their subsequent pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Difficulties in reaching an accurate diagnosis are discussed since early diagnosis and urgent therapy with protein C replacement are crucial to avoid further damage after delivery.     

Fulminant sepsis/meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae in a protein C-deficient heterozygote treated with activated protein C therapy

A 13-month-old Japanese female with Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis presented with unusually severe septic shock and cerebral infarction in half a day of fever. The initial therapy of plasma-derived activated protein C (Anact C) led to an impressive effect on the aggressive condition. However, purpura fulminans and the consistent decline of plasma protein C activity (<20%) required prolonged activated protein C therapy and gene analysis. The patient carried a novel heterozygous mutation of PROC (exon 4; 335 GAC>TAC, Asp46Tyr). This is the first report of infectious purpura fulminans in a protein C-deficient heterozygote. The clinical onset and treatment course adequately corroborated the aggravated immune/hemostatic reactions and the cytoprotective effects of activated protein C replacement in human heterozygous protein C deficiency. The monitoring of plasma protein C activity and sufficient administration of activated protein C product could improve the outcome of severe sepsis in children.     

Homozygous Protein C Deficiency in Two Siblings

Homozygous protein C (PC) deficiency is reported in two siblings (girl and boy) who received their proper diagnoses at the ages of 7⁴/12 and 1³/12 years respectively. The girl had perinatal asphyxia without bleeding. At 1 year of age she developed purpura fulminans. Treatment with heparin and plasma was successful. At 7⁴/12 years she developed tender, bluish nonnecrotic skin changes after an orthopedic operation. The PC level was 0.08 U/ml. The boy had had a large intraventricular hemorrhage neonatally and developed severe brain damage. At 13/12 years he manifested the same skin changes as his sister and was treated similarly. The PC level was 0.05 U/ml. Both children now receive warfarin continuously and are essentially free of symptoms. The cases represent homozygous phenotypes in a family with a recessive trait of PC deficiency without thrombotic disease. The cases also show that severe PC deficiency may be compatible with life beyond infancy without any specific therapy.     

Association of Trp64Arg polymorphism of beta3-adrenergic receptor with insulin resistance in Polish children with obesity

AIM: To establish the influence of the Trp64Arg variant of the beta3-adrenergic receptor (Trp64Arg- beta3AR) on body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance (IR) in obese children. METHODS: BMI, presence of the Trp64Arg mutation, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and IR were determined in 60 obese and 33 normal weight children. RESULTS: The frequency of Trp64Arg was similar in normal weight and obese children. BMI, glucose and insulin concentrations during an OGTT in children with Trp64Argbeta3AR were not different from those with Trp64Trpbeta3AR. IR was confirmed in 42.8% of children with Trp64Argbeta3AR and in 45.6% of children with Trp64Trpbeta3AR (NS). CONCLUSIONS: 1. The similar frequency of the Trp64Argbeta3AR variant in normal weight and obese children suggests that it is not a susceptibility gene for obesity in Polish children. 2. The presence of the Trp64Argbeta3AR variant does not have an unfavourable influence on BMI, glucose or insulin concentrations during OGTT or on IR frequency in Polish obese children.     

Severe protein C deficiency and aseptic osteonecrosis of the hip joint: a case report

Homozygous congenital protein C deficiency is accompanied by severe thrombophilia. Thrombotic events can be reduced in number and severity by lifelong oral anticoagulation therapy. A 4-year-old boy was first diagnosed as having severe congenital homozygous protein C deficiency during the neonatal period when purpura fulminans occurred as the first manifestation of thrombosis. From this time he had been treated with phenprocoumon (INR 3.5-4.5). During an infection of the upper respiratory tract he developed signs of a new episode of purpura fulminans (INR 2.6). Additional anticoagulation therapy with LMW heparin (Clexane^®) and protein C concentrate was given while the oral anticoagulation therapy was continued. On the third day of this episode the boy suffered from pain of unknown origin. MRI of the abdomen and of the pelvis revealed nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the hip joint. After a few weeks of immobilisation no special treatment was necessary. One year later he was able to walk with no problem. Conclusion Aseptic osteonecrosis of the hip joint is associated with a variety of disorders including vascular thrombosis and haemorrhage. Especially young children and handicapped patients with thrombophilia and pain of unknown origin are suspected to have thrombosis in atypical regions.     

Purpura fulminans as a sequel to erythema nodosum in a child with homozygous Leiden mutation and acquired protein S deficiency

A 6-y-old boy presented with generalized, bruise-like swelling of both legs. Three weeks later, he developed purpura fulminans in one of the affected feet. Histology of the leg swelling was in accordance with erythema nodosum. The boy proved to be homozygous for the Factor V Leiden mutation and to have acquired protein S deficiency. He recovered, with partial loss of two toes. CONCLUSION: In contrast to what is often stated, erythema nodosum is not always a benign condition. On the basis of this report, we suggest that if extensive erythema nodosum develops in an individual without any known thrombophilic disorder, investigations with respect to the latter should be performed.     

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目的 探讨β3-肾上腺素能受体基因(p3-AR)Trp64Arg变异与新疆哈萨克族儿童肥胖的相关性.方法 选取乌鲁木齐周边地区95例6-12岁哈萨克族学龄肥胖儿童及87名非肥胖儿童,用限制性片段长度多态性方法检测被调查儿童的基因型,生化方法检测血清甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDLC)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、载脂蛋白A(ApoA)、载脂蛋白B(ApoB)水平,并测量身高、体重.结果 变异型等位基因(C)在被调查对象中出现的频率为0.194,其中男0.210,女0.160.肥胖儿童中变异等位基因(C)、Trp64Arg变异基因型的出现频率明显高于非肥胖者(P＜0.05).单纯性肥胖儿童与非肥胖儿童比较,血清TG、TC、LDL-C、ApoB水平均明显升高(P＜0.05).B3-AR不同基因型间血脂比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 哈萨克族学龄儿童中存在一定的B3-AR Trp64Arg变异,可能与哈萨克族儿童肥胖有关.     

暂时性甲状腺功能减低伴甲状腺肿大患儿DUOX2基因突变的研究

目的 研究暂时性先天性甲状腺功能减退伴甲状腺肿大患者DUOX2基因突变情况.方法 对5例暂时性甲状腺功能减低伴甲状腺肿大患者DUOX2基因的全部外显子进行基因突变筛查,基因突变类型和特点.结果 在1例先天性甲状腺功能减低症( Congenital Hypothyroidism,CH)患儿中发现DUOX2基因一个等位基因的杂合性突变,为第10外显子cDNA的1329位点发生C＞T的突变(c.C1329T),导致第376密码子精氨酸突变为色氨酸(p.Arg376Trp).其他4例CH患儿均没有发现DUOX2基因突变.结论 在先天性甲状腺功能减退患儿中也发现了DUOX2基因的p.Arg376Trp突变,该突变的单个等位基因剂量的改变可能导致先天性甲状腺功能减退.     

Recurrent systemic bacterial infections in homozygous C2 deficiency

Homozygous deficiency of the second component of complement (C2) occurs in one in 10, 000 individuals. Its clinical manifestations range from essentially no symptoms to recurrent infections or evidence of collagen-vascular disease. We present here a case report and a review of the literature focusing on recurrent systemic infections in C2-deficient individuals. Thirteen of 20 patients vi'ith C2 deficiency and a history of invasive bacterial infections have had recurrent episodes of bacteremia or meningitis. Most of these patients were children, and Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen reported. The use of prophylactic antibiotics. Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal vaccines, and prompt medical attention for any febrile illness should be encouraged in children with documented C2 deficiency. Although there are no studies to date to document their efficacy, the above measures may serve to diminish the frequency of recurrent systemic bacterial disease in these children.     

Purpura fulminans in a newborn infant with galactosemia

An 11-day-old neonate presented with purpura fulminans and was subsequently diagnosed with galactosemia. Neonatal purpura fulminans occurs predominantly in patients suffering from inherited protein C deficiency or disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with septicemia. Hemostatic changes in patients with liver disease may result in bleeding or, rarely, thrombosis. We suppose that in the present patient, deficiency of protein C, secondary to liver disease, was responsible for the development of purpura fulminans. Treatment consisted of blood and blood products and galactose-free formula. The patient recovered with residual mild psychomotor retardation and the lesions with minimal scarring. In conclusion, galactosemia also should be kept in mind as an uncommon cause of purpura fulminans in newborn infants.     

Glucose phosphate isomerase deficiency: biochemical and molecular genetic studies on the enzyme variants of two patients with severe haemolytic anaemia

Biochemical and molecular genetic studies were performed on the enzyme variants of two patients compound heterozygous for glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency, both suffering from severe haemolytic anaemia. The enzymes of case 1 (GPI `Zwickau') and case 2 (GPI `Nordhorn' [25]), revealed reduced GPI activity and remarkable thermolability. Glucose-6-phosphate (Gluc-6-P) concentration was elevated 2.3 times in case 1 and 3.8 times in case 2. Sequencing the patients' GPI genes showed four different point mutations, two of them involving highly conserved amino acids. The c1039 C→T substitution, found in the gene of GPI `Zwickau', has been described recently [30] and causes an Arg 347→Cys substitution close to the putative catalytic site. The second mutation in this case is a novel c1538 G→A substitution causing a Trp→stop mutation at position 513 apparently resulting in premature RNA degradation thus resulting either in a complete lack of protein or a protein which does not show GPI activity. In the gene of GPI `Nordhorn' a c1028 A→G mutation was discovered, also previously described [1, 9] causing a Gln 343→Trp substitution. The second mutation was a novel splice site mutation at the border of intron 15 to exon 16: IVS15-(-2) A→C which leads to an aberrant splicing of exon 16, thus resulting either in a truncated and most likely inactive enzyme or in no protein at all. Conclusion Biochemical and molecular genetic studies performed with the enzyme variants GPI `Zwickau' and GPI `Nordhorn' showed that in both cases the simultaneous occurrence of a single amino acid sub‐stitution affecting the active site, together with a nonsense mutation leading to the loss of major parts of the enzyme probably explains the severe clinical course of the disease. Received: 16 August 1996 / Accepted: 17 January 1997     

Genetic polymorphisms and haplotypes of DNA repair genes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes can alter protein structure and may impair DNA repair capacity. Defects in repairing damaged DNA lead to genetic instability and carcinogenesis. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of the polymorphisms of DNA repair genes on risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). PROCEDURES: We genotyped polymorphisms of X-ray repair cross-complimenting group 1 (XRCC1) codon 194 (Arg to Trp), 280 (Arg to His) and 399 (Arg to Gln), and xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) codon 312 (Asp to Asn) and 715 (Lys to Gln) in 108 children with ALL and 317 healthy controls using PCR-RFLP method. The allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of these polymorphisms were compared between cases and controls using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. PHASE computer software was used to analyze estimated haplotypes of the XRCC1 and XPD polymorphisms. RESULTS: The frequency of XRCC1 194Trp allele in patients was significantly lower than that in controls (odds ratio (OR) 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.47-0.97). Individuals with XRCC1 194 Trp/Trp genotype had a significantly reduced risk of ALL (OR 0.22; 95% CI, 0.05-0.96). The frequency of the XRCC1 haplotype B (194Trp-280Arg-399Arg) was significantly lower in children with ALL when compared to controls. The XRCC1 399Gln allele was associated with a significantly increased risk of ALL (OR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.20-2.33). The frequency of the XRCC1 haplotype C (194Arg-280Arg-399Gln) was significantly higher in patients. There was no difference of allele frequencies of the XRCC1 280 (Arg to His), XPD 312 (Asp to Asn), or XPD 715 (Lys to Gln) between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: The XRCC1 194Trp allele and haplotype B showed a protective effect against development of childhood ALL. In contrast, individuals with the XRCC1 399Gln allele and haplotype C were associated with increased risk for this disease.