Liver transplantation in patient with Berardinelli–Seip syndrome: A literature review and case report

Abstract

BackgroundBerardinelli–Seip syndrome is an infrequently seen and potentially fatal genetic disorder characterized by the absence of adipose tissue. Herein, we report a first‐in‐literature liver transplant done on a 7‐year‐old girl because of liver cirrhosis caused by the Berardinelli–Seip syndrome.Case ReportPhysical examination showed prominent subdermal fat tissue loss and mild muscle hypertrophy, giving her a slim appearance, hirsutism, thick hair, a large head in contrast to the body, low anterior hairline, icterus, prominent facial contours, prominent mandibula, loss of buccal fat, low set ears, and large limbs. After the diagnosis, she admitted to our clinic because of variceal esophageal bleeding and increasing liver enzymes. Transplantation decision was made and orthothopic liver transplantation done by the surgery team.DiscussionCommon causes of death in Berardinelli–Seip syndrome patients are infections and liver cirrhosis. The mean age of the patients was 27.1 at the time of death. There is no any established cure for congenital lipodystrophies so far. However, some symptomatic treatment methods are found to be helpful. The main point of the case report to be discussed is the liver transplantation done by our surgical team. There are no examples of any transplantation in Berardinelli–Seip syndrome patients, but several reports can be found of patients with kidney or liver failure.ConclusionBerardinelli–Seip syndrome is a rare disorder with no cure but a chance of improving lifestyle and life expectancy. The transplantation option should be considered in young patients after a multidisciplinary review.