Junctional epidermolysis bullosa in Infant/Neonate
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Synopsis
All patients with the most severe subtype of generalized JEB, JEB-Herlitz (JEB-H, previously referred to as EB letalis or EB atrophicans generalisata gravis), have mutations within any of the 3 genes (LAMA3, LAMB3, or LAMC2) corresponding to the 3 subunits of the extracellular matrix protein laminin-332 (previously laminin-5). Similarly, the majority of JEB patients with generalized but clinically less severe disease (JEB-non Herlitz [JEB-nH], previously named generalized atrophic benign EB [GABEB] or EB atrophicans generalisata mitis) have structurally less severe mutations within the same 3 laminin-332 genes. A minority of JEB-nH cases are caused by mutations in the gene that encodes type XVII collagen. Rare subtypes of JEB may have mutations in genes encoding other structural proteins: JEB associated with pyloric atresia (JEB-PA) is associated with mutations in either of the genes encoding the 2 subunits of a6b4 integrin. A rare genodermatosis named the laryngo-onycho-cutaneous syndrome (LOC syndrome, previously named Shabbir syndrome), which was recently included among the subtypes of JEB, is notable for having mutations within the gene encoding for the a3 chain of laminin-332. Autosomal recessive mutations of integrin alpha-3 (ITGA3) are associated with junctional skin lesions, interstitial skin disease, and nephrotic syndrome.
The 3 most common subtypes of JEB are JEB-H (Herlitz), JEB-nH (non-Herlitz), and JEB inversa, the latter of which is characterized by cutaneous disease primarily localized symmetrically in body folds (ie, axillary and inguinal vaults and perineum), the nape of the neck, and the lumbosacral area. Both JEB-H and JEB-nH are usually associated with generalized blisters, erosions, atrophic scars, and extensive postinflammatory hypo- or depigmentation. A characteristic finding in JEB-H is the development of thick, exuberant, periorificial granulation tissue that may also appear within the nares, upper back, nape of the neck, and periungual folds. Recurrent granulation tissue may totally occlude the nasal passage or progress into the upper airway.
Patients with JEB-H have profound growth retardation and severe multifactorial anemia. The oral cavity and upper esophagus are often severely affected in JEB-H as well as in JEB inversa. Findings may include marked microstomia, ankyloglossia, and primary enamel hypoplasia, the latter resulting in pitting of the teeth, severe secondary caries, and eventual premature loss of teeth. Esophageal stenoses or strictures may occur in JEB, similar to those seen in severe generalized recessive dystrophic EB. Scarring alopecia of the scalp and delayed puberty are common features of JEB-H. About 3% of these patients develop partial webbing deformities of the hands or feet compared with patients with severe generalized recessive dystrophic EB, who invariably get this deforming musculoskeletal complication.
JEB-nH can be contrasted to JEB-H by the infrequency of clinically significant growth impairment or anemia, lack of exuberant granulation tissue, and relatively mild intraoral disease activity.
Since the characteristic distinguishing clinical features of JEB-H and JEB-nH may not become obvious for the first 1-2 years of life, some authorities prefer to classify those children as having a "JEB indeterminant subtype" pending more definitive clinical or laboratory data allowing more precise subclassification and prognostication.
Mortality from JEB-H and JEB-nH is high during the first few years of life, predominantly from sepsis, failure to thrive, and/or upper airway obstruction. Approximately half of all children with JEB enrolled in the National (United States) EB Registry died within their first year of life. Tracheolaryngeal obstruction is a major threat in both of these JEB subtypes; the risk may persist until age 6 years. The earliest sign of tracheolaryngeal involvement is a persistent hoarse or weak cry. If progressive, stridor and sudden (and often fatal) airway obstruction may occur. Extreme vigilance and early intervention for this complication is essential.
As opposed to recessive dystrophic EB, development of squamous cell carcinomas or renal failure are less commonly seen in JEB, likely due to death in early childhood, although there are reports of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in adults with JEB-nH type.
The eyes may also be involved in both JEB-H and JEB-nH, resulting in acute onset of severe pain and blistering. If untreated, corneal scarring and even blindness may rarely ensue.
JEB-PA (associated with pyloric atresia) is a very rare EB subtype that can be readily diagnosed during the first day of life on the basis of clinical and radiological findings of pyloric atresia. Some of these patients also have a variety of genitourinary tract anomalies.
The cutaneous involvement in LOC syndrome (laryngo-onycho-cutaneous syndrome) predominantly involves the facial and neck regions and is associated with severe involvement of the larynx and conjunctiva.
Related topics: generalized severe EB simplex, EB acquisita
Codes
ICD10CM:Q81.8 – Other epidermolysis bullosa
SNOMEDCT:
399971009 – Junctional epidermolysis bullosa
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
The diagnosis of JEB-H can be made on clinical grounds in older children. Similarly, inverse EB (to include both junctional and recessive EB subtypes) can be made on the basis of the unique distribution of lesions in adults.In neonates and infants, however, the differential diagnosis of any child suspected of having JEB may include:
- Other types and subtypes of inherited EB (EB simplex, generalized severe EB simplex, dystrophic EB, Kindler syndrome)
- Ectodermal dysplasia, including AEC syndrome (ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft lip / palate) and EEC syndrome (ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft lip / palate)
- Incontinentia pigmenti
- Bullous mastocytosis
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica
- Neonatal herpes simplex
- Bullous impetigo
- Cutaneous porphyrias (see protoporphyria)
- Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
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Last Reviewed:12/08/2019
Last Updated:01/17/2022
Last Updated:01/17/2022
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa in Infant/Neonate