X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita: a novel DAX1 missense mutation and challenges for clinical diagnosis in Africa

Eur J Pediatr. 2012 Feb;171(2):267-70. doi: 10.1007/s00431-011-1523-5. Epub 2011 Jul 8.

Abstract

Adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) is a rare disease. The X-linked form of AHC is caused by deletions or mutations in DAX1 gene and has a variable clinical presentation. To date, no data on X-linked AHC in central Africa are available. Here, we report a Congolese pedigree with several cases of unexplained deaths of male infants. A careful analysis of the pedigree of this family lead to the recognition of an X-linked inheritance pattern, with subsequent confirmation in a female heterozygous carrier of a DAX1 missense mutation c.1274G>T, (p.Arg425Ile).The diagnosis of this condition remains challenging in a developing country, since the manifestations of AHC overlap with those of the much more frequently occurring infections; darkening of the skin is difficult to evaluate and there is a lack of access to routine endocrinological testing. The diagnosis was eventually made based on the family pedigree, evoking an X-linked inheritance pattern. This illustrates the necessity for medical and clinical genetics to be part of the curriculum of medical school in developing countries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / genetics*
  • Adrenal Insufficiency
  • Africa
  • DAX-1 Orphan Nuclear Receptor / genetics*
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / diagnosis
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / genetics*
  • Genetic Markers
  • Humans
  • Hypoadrenocorticism, Familial
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mutation, Missense*
  • Pedigree

Substances

  • DAX-1 Orphan Nuclear Receptor
  • Genetic Markers
  • NR0B1 protein, human