X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare genetic disorder with X-linked dominant inheritance. Mutations in the
PHEX
gene increase fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) concentrations, causing loss of phosphorus at the proximal tubule. Most pediatric patients debut in the first two years with short stature and bowed legs. Conventional treatment consists of oral supplements with phosphorus and calcitriol. Since 2018, burosumab has been approved as a novel therapeutic option for XLH, with promising results. The purpose of this study was to share our experience with two cases of XLH treated with burosumab. These patients presented with a broad phenotypical differences. One had the most severe radiological phenotype and developed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and left ventricular dysfunction with preserved ejection fraction. Treatment with burosumab was well-tolerated and was followed by radiological stability and a striking improvement in both blood biochemistry and quality of life. The LVH was stable and left ventricular function normalized in the patient with cardiac involvement. In recent years many studies have been carried out to explain the role of FGF23 in cardiovascular damage, but the exact pathophysiological mechanisms are as yet unclear. The most intensively studied populations are patients with XLH or chronic kidney disease, as both are associated with high levels of FGF23. To date, cardiovascular involvement in XLH has been described in patients treated with conventional treatment, so it would be of interest to investigate if early use of burosumab at the time of diagnosis of XLH would prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular manifestations.
Background:
Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is a very rare autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the SMARCAL1 gene. It is characterized by spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, T-cell immunodeficiency, hypercromic nevi, hypercholesterolemia and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome with progressive renal failure to end-stage kidney disease.
Case presentation:
We report two cases of SIOD in sisters, diagnosed after the debut of nephrotic syndrome. Both had a personal history of short stature, acetabular hip dysplasia and hypercholesterolemia. The first case, a 6 year-old girl, presented peripheral refractory edema, severe arterial hypertension and progressive decrease of the glomerular filtration rate. Steroid-resistance of nephrotic syndrome was confirmed, treated with tacrolimus without response. Renal function worsened over the following 4 months, so haemodialysis was started. Her sister, a 5 years-old girl, had steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, who is currently with normal blood pressure and normal renal function under enalapril treatment. In view of the suspicion of SIOD, the genetic studies were carried out, revealing the same mutation in homozygosis.
Conclusions:
SIOD has a variable expression with multi-systemic involvement with a short life expectancy. The early diagnosis is important, which can encourage the early start of treatment and anticipation of complications that may be life-threatening.
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