SOX18

Hypotrichosis-Lymphedema-Telangiectasia-Renal Defect Syndrome

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Sparse hair can be noted at birth and by several years of age the alopecia of the eyelids and eyebrows is complete.  The upper eyelids may be swollen at birth as well. 

Systemic Features: 

The facial features are unusual.  The nose appears long and may have a broad nasal root.  The lips are full and the lower jaw is prominent. Evidence of developmental delay has been reported in one patient.

The scrotum can be edematous at birth and sometimes contains large hydroceles.  Hair is sparse in infancy but within a few years alopecia is complete.  Telangiectases on the scalp, scrotum, and limbs are evident at several years of age.  Pulmonary vascular congestion and lymphangiectasia may be present in some individuals antenatally.  Renal failure, sometimes with hypertension can occur at any time from early childhood to young adulthood.  Renal biopsy has shown histologic features consistent with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and thrombotic microangiopathy.  This may be preceded by proteinuria in infants as young as 2 years. 

Genetics

This condition is the result of heterozygous mutations in the SOX18 gene (20q13.33). 

Homozygous mutations in the same gene may be responsible for a somewhat similar disorder (HLTS) (607823) which has many of the same facial and systemic features but lacks the renal disease. 

Pedigree: 
Autosomal dominant
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

Some patients have benefitted from renal transplantation.

References
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