[Skin manifestations of protein glycosylation deficiency, the CDG (carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein) type 1 syndrome].

BACKGROUND

Type I carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein (CDG) syndrome is an inborn hereditary error of metabolism with a broad clinical spectrum. It is characterized by partial N-glycan deficiency of glycoproteins. Skin features may be part of this syndrome in infancy.

METHODS

A male infant failed to thrive, presenting psychomotor retardation, liver disease and multiple biological abnormalities. Very suggestive prominent skin manifestations were noted including abnormal subcutaneous fat with lipoma-like pads on the lower back and buttocks, thickened orange-peel skin on the limbs, thinned proximal knuckles, inverted nipples. Deficient serum transferrin sialylation and phosphomannomutase deficiency were identified confirming type I CDG syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Although inconstantly present, skin manifestations of type I CDG syndrome are very suggestive and may be the inaugural signs of the disease.