Delayed diagnosis of holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency in three patients with prominent skin findings

Pediatr Dermatol. 2021 May;38(3):655-658. doi: 10.1111/pde.14586. Epub 2021 Apr 19.

Abstract

Holocarboxylase deficiency (HLCSD) is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in HLCS and is associated with poor feeding, emesis, lethargy, seizures, life-threatening metabolic acidosis, and hyperammonemia. Skin involvement in HLCSD is typically described as scaly, erythrodermic, seborrhea-like, or ichthyosiform, but there is a paucity of reports. We report three patients, including two siblings, with HLCSD and significant cutaneous manifestations including ichthyosiform dermatitis and a presentation with features of annular pustular psoriasis. In this report, we show that persistent, unexplained rash, even in the absence of other clinical findings, should warrant consideration and potential workup for HLCSD.

Keywords: multiple carboxylase deficiency; neonatal screening; rash.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biotin
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Holocarboxylase Synthetase Deficiency*
  • Humans
  • Ichthyosis* / diagnosis
  • Seizures

Substances

  • Biotin