NEW MUTATIONS

4 new genetic mutations were recently found:

 

LOX : This gene of the 5-Lysyl oxidase family is involved in initiating of cross-linking of Elastin and Collagen. The mutation leads to cardiovascular, respiratory and bone symptoms, especially fractures. This is why it was initially considered to be a new type of osteogenesis imperfecta (glass bones disorder). But the discovery of fragmented elastic fibers allowed this mutation to be included in Cutis Laxa Syndroms. It is a recessive form.

 

EFEMP1 (Fibulin3): The consequences, besides lax skin, of this mutation are multiple hernias and joint hypermobility as well as mild intellectual/learning disability. It is a new recessive type of Cutis Laxa.

 

LTBP1 : This mutation is distinguished by lax skin, inguinal hernias, craniofacial dysmorphology, various heart defects and prominent skeletal features (short stature, brachydactyly, craniosynostosis,..). It is another new recessive type of Cutis Laxa.

 

PI4K2A : This 4th new mutation is characterised by the following clinical signs : lax skin, involuntary movements (neurological issue), dysmorphism and intellectual/learning disability. It is also a recessive type.

 

A 5th new mutation has recently been found and we are longing for it to be published so we can tell you about it.

 

Thanks to all the researchers for their amazing work in basic knowledge of Cutis Laxa. All these findings are essential to give patients better care and offer them a better quality of life.

 

Diagnosis Roving and Deadlock

The workgroup of FIMARAD (Rare Dermatologic Disorders French Network), of which Marie-Claude Boiteux is a member, is interested in Diagnosis Odyssey. An important piece of work for Cutis Laxa was presented during the FIMARAD meeting in November.

Due to the great diversity of types and symptoms, the quality of the healthcare journey for CL patients is intimately linked to diagnosis. So, it is not enough to diagnose a Cutis Laxa one needs to be really precise about which type of CL with the help of a molecular analysis (genetic testing).

The quality of the patient’s healthcare as well as the quality of their life depend on the swiftness of the molecular diagnosis. In France, a number of systematic tests are carried out immediately after birth to evaluate the newborn’s health (hernias, tone, mobility, hips,etc)..

A table has been created associating these systematic examinations with various CL symptoms to allow a faster clinical and molecular diagnosis. So, for instance, if the systematic examination of a newborn shows hip dysplasia, the next simple step is to see if the skin is lax and the newborn has hernias to suspect ARCL2A or Geroderma Osteodysplastica. The diagnosis can then be confirmed with a genetic test. Concordance of symptoms is the first step to a faster diagnosis.

ERN-Skin : Cutis Laxa Webinar

14th December 2021

Pr Bert CALLEWAERT and Pr Raoul ENGELBERT

shared the latest results of the work done by the Mendelian Connective Tissue Disorders thematic group in ERN-Skin.

Especially regarding the latest finding on Cutis Laxa Syndroms. The classification is still in progress.

 

DERMATOLOGY DAYS OF PARIS

1st, 2nd & 3rd December 2021

For the first time this year we had a stall during the Dermatology Days of Paris.

With its conferences, pharmaceutic and cosmetic laboratories stalls, Associations’ village,

 

and e-posters, there’s no need to demonstrate the richness of those days.

It was the opportunity for many exchanges with health professionals as well as with association leaders,

all concerned by dermatology.

FIMARAD – ANNUAL MEETING

 

25th-26th November

FIMARAD (French Network for Rare Skin Disorders) Annual meeting

the results  of the different workgroups showed the improvments still needed.

 

 

 

ERN-Skin EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

23rd  November 2021

ERN-Skin Executive Committee

Taking stock of the actions and improvements achieved in 2021.

 

Online training courses, using the CPMS consultation platform,

 

setting up registries and specific activities for each thematic group were the strong points for  ERN-Skin.

NEW MUTATIONS

Even if I cannot tell you more since publications have not yet taken place, I am very happy and proud of our researchers who work on Cutis Laxa :

5 NEW MUTATIONS have just been discovered.

For all patients whose precise type has not yet been identified, this is an extraordinary chance.

You can be tested now with the new mutations.

Attending the 6th Cutis Laxa Days in Ghent in September 2022  can be the opportunity for you to know more about the precise type you are suffering from.

ERN-Skin Activities

19th February : First ERN-Skin Scientific Day

114 doctors and researchers attended. Each thematic group presented the work done on the disorders they are concerned with.

For the Heritable Connective Tissue Disorders (HCTD), a study is taking place in the Netherlands to evaluate prevalence and severity of fatigue, pain, disability and global health for children and teenagers suffering from the most common HCTD.

Other topics were presented such as interconnections between nervous system and skin system, and also innovative methodologies

 

8th June : ERN-Skin Executive Committee

During this meeting  the agenda was very fully.

Marie-Claude Boiteux presented the epags’ work on « Patient Journeys » for each disorder concerned by ERN-Skin,

And then the Patients Satisfaction Survey, Registries,

e-learning,

the SPOT application,

Exchange programme,

Results of 2020

and organising, in Paris in 2022, the next Rare Skin Diseases World Congres –

these wide ranging questions showed ERN-Skin’s dynamism and how it implements concrete projects.

Cutis Laxa Videos …… N°7

Treatments and surgeries are the topics of our 7th video about Cutis Laxa

 

 

And don’t forget you can get subtittles in your own language.

Cutis Laxa Videos …… N°4

Today I talk about the impact of the disorder in adulthood: love life, finding a job, etc.

 

and you can get subtittles in your own language :