Neonatal Skin Lesions

Features are consistent with Incontinentia pigmenti. Incontinentia pigmenti {IP} is a multisystem ectodermal disorder accompanied by dermatological, dental and ocular features and in a minority of cases may be associated with neurological deficit {1}. The typical phenotype is a result of functional mosaicism` a phenomenon which occurs in X web addressed dominant disorders because of lyonisation {1}. Classically the dermatological features are described in four stages. Stage 1: erythema, vesicles, pustules` Stage 2: papules, verrucous lesions, hyperkeratosis` Stage 3: hyperpigmentation` Stage 4: pallor, atrophy and scarring {2,3}. The frequency of nail dystrophy may be as high as 40 percent but it is usually mild {1}. Alopecia especially at the vertex and usually after blistering at this site is common but in most cases it is partial and goes unnoticed {2}. Squints occur in over one-third of patients, often in association with refractive errors. The hallmark of ocular IP involves abnormalities of the developing retinal vessels and the underlying pigmented cells, and is present in over 40 percent of patients {1}. The dental features of IP occur in over 80 percent of cases {1}. Typical features include hypodontia, delayed eruption, impaction and malformation of the crowns, especially conical forms and accessory cusps. Breast hypoplasia and supernumerary is seen in 1 percent of cases {2}. CNS involvement seen in one-third of patients includes motor and cognitive developmental retardation, seizure, microcephaly, spasticity, and paralysis {1}. Skeletal abnormality includes somatic assymetry, hemivertebrae, scoliosis, spina bifida {1}. The diagnosis of IP is founded on the clinical features. The classical florid rash of IP is diagnostic but unusual presentations can occur when skin biopsy may be necessary.

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Last Updated: 1st December 2011 Vol 8 Issue 12 Art # 82

References :

Landy SJ, Donnai D. Incontinentia pigmenti (Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome). J Med Genet. J Med Genet.1993; 30: 53-59. Morelli JG. Hyperpigmented lesions. In: Kleigman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. (eds). Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.18th ed. Philadelphia. Saunders Elsevier. 2007: 2681-2682. Lapeere H, Boone B, De Schepper S et al. Hypomelanoses and Hypermelanoses. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, Paller AS, Leffell DJ et al, (eds). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine.7th edn. New York, McGraw-Hill, 2007: 631.