Donohue syndrome, also known as leprechaunism, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by extreme insulin resistance, growth delays and dysmorphic facies.
Presentation
The clinical features associated with Donohue syndrome are mostly present since birth, although they may show considerable individual variation [1] [2].
Leprechaunism is clinically manifested by abnormal growth, dysmorphic facies along with abnormalities of the endocrine organs [3].
Growth delays are present in a majority of the infants affected, with low birth weight and a failure to thrive being amongst the common manifestations. These infants are often emaciated, with underdeveloped muscles and/or bones. Bone age and maturation are delayed as compared to their peers.
A characteristic craniofacial structure helps in identifying infants with leprechaunism. Affected infants may show a wide variety of distinctive facial features such as underdeveloped, huge, low-set ears; macrostomia with thickened lips; hypertelorism; microcephaly; and a flattened nose.
A vast majority of infants also present with certain dermatological features, with the skin being abnormally thickened (pachyderma) and pigmented (acanthosis nigricans). An absence of subcutaneous body fat, hirsutism, and dysplastic nails may also be seen.
Endocrine disturbances form the other crux of the clinical abnormalities seen in patients with Donohue syndrome. Hyperinsulinemia is a common finding in such infants, owing to the absence of functional insulin receptors due to homozygous/ heterozygous mutations in the INSR gene [4] [5] [6]. Postprandial hyperglycemia and fasting hypoglycemia are frequently observed. Affected females may have cystic ovaries and an abnormally enlarged clitoris/ breasts, while males may be afflicted with an abnormally large penis. Cardiac lesions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may also be observed.
Other abnormalities that have been observed in infants with leprechaunism include recurrent infections, abnormalities of the intellect and unusually large hands and feet. Abdominal complaints such as a distended stomach, cholestasis, iron accumulation in the liver and umbilical/ inguinal hernia have also been seen in some patients.
Entire Body System
- Sepsis
He was discharged with good condition several days later but was admitted again at 6 months of age due to sepsis and then died. [jbums.org]
Prognosis is poor with the majority of patients dying in infancy of sepsis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
FIGURE 2 Abdominal ultrasound showing nephrocalcinosis, a common feature of RMS cases. 5 During hospitalization, the patient developed 2 episodes of sepsis with high fever (>40°C) and prostration, with positive blood culture for Escherichia coli and for [pediatrics.aappublications.org]
In DS, most of the patients die in the first year of life due to diabetic complications and sepsis. [karger.com]
- Recurrent Infection
Other abnormalities that have been observed in infants with leprechaunism include recurrent infections, abnormalities of the intellect and unusually large hands and feet. [symptoma.com]
Although some patients survived for several years, most die of severe failure to thrive with recurrent infections in the first year of life. [accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com]
Prognosis Individuals born with Donohue syndrome generally die in infancy from either malnutrition or recurrent and persistent infection. [encyclopedia.com]
infections Frequent infections Frequent, severe infections Increased frequency of infection infections, recurrent Predisposition to infections Susceptibility to infection [ more ] 0002719 Small face Short and narrow face Small facies [ more ] 0000274 [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
- Nail Abnormality
Patients with RMS are characterized by coarse facial features, growth retardation, severe acanthosis nigricans, hypertrichosis, dental and nail abnormalities as well as large external genitalia. [karger.com]
Respiratoric
- Pneumonia
She succumbed to pneumonia and septicemia by 6 months of age. Fig. 1 Hirsuitism, marked emaciation and coarse facial features in Leprechaunism. [indianpediatrics.net]
At 10 weeks of age, she was rehospitalized due to aspiration pneumonia. She had feeding difficulty due to abdominal distension. Thus, continuous enteral feeding which also decreased the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes was started. [karger.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Failure to Thrive
The clinical course showed failure to thrive, and episodes of alternating hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Laboratory tests revealed direct hyperbilirubinemia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Abdominal Distension
Many of the risks relate to restrictive lung disease and abdominal distension which worsens with bag valve mask ventilation and limited respiratory reserve which leads to precipitous desaturation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
A, Abdominal distension, inguinal hernia, large hands and feet, clitoromegaly, and lipohypotrophy. B, Gum and lip hypertrophy, triangular facies, hirsutism, prominent eyes with infraorbital creases, and nipple hypertrophy. [academic.oup.com]
Physical examination showed genitomegaly, lipoatrophy (A), abdominal distension, dermal disorders and huge depressed ears with elfin facies (B). [panafrican-med-journal.com]
- Abdominal Pain
A 14-year-old girl, whose parents were consanguineous, was often admitted for abdominal pain over the past 8 years. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Cardiovascular
- Hypertension
In addition, the patient developed polyuria and uremia despite normal creatinine levels, hypernatremia, and hypertension. To our knowledge, these metabolic derangements were not previously reported in patients with DS. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Abstract Objective To evaluate renal structure in a child with Donohue syndrome (leprechaunism), who at 10 yr of age was noted to have hypertension, microalbuminuria, and enlarged kidneys, a renal biopsy was performed. [care.diabetesjournals.org]
Skin
- Hirsutism
We describe a new case of Donohue syndrome born at 37 weeks' gestation of unrelated parents and presented with intra-uterine growth retardation, nipple hypertrophy, macropenis, distended abdomen, hirsutism and dysmorphic features. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
B, Gum and lip hypertrophy, triangular facies, hirsutism, prominent eyes with infraorbital creases, and nipple hypertrophy. C, Hypertrichosis and acanthosis nigricans. [academic.oup.com]
Clinical features include severe intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction, characteristic dysmorphic FACIES; HIRSUTISM; VIRILIZATION; multiple endocrine abnormalities, and early death. [profiles.umassmed.edu]
- Hyperpigmentation
She appeared markedly emaciated, and had hirsuitism, thickened skin with patchy hyperpigmentation, coarse facial features, sunken cheeks, pointed chin, flared nostrils, broad open mouth, thick lips, low-set ears, enlarged breasts and clitoromegaly. [indianpediatrics.net]
RMS is characterized by growth retardation, coarse facies, and skin manifestations such as hyperpigmentation, acanthosis nigricans and hypertrichosis. [ijpeonline.biomedcentral.com]
At the age of 3.5 years, he was admitted to our department because of increased hyperpigmentation of the skin over the neck and axilla since he was 1.5 years old. [frontiersin.org]
Musculoskeletal
- Large Hand
A, Abdominal distension, inguinal hernia, large hands and feet, clitoromegaly, and lipohypotrophy. B, Gum and lip hypertrophy, triangular facies, hirsutism, prominent eyes with infraorbital creases, and nipple hypertrophy. [academic.oup.com]
Other abnormalities that have been observed in infants with leprechaunism include recurrent infections, abnormalities of the intellect and unusually large hands and feet. [symptoma.com]
hands large hand 0001176 Long foot Disproportionately large feet large feet long feet [ more ] 0001833 Low-set ears Low set ears Lowset ears [ more ] 0000369 Nail dysplasia Atypical nail growth 0002164 Ovarian cyst 0000138 Pancreatic islet- cell hyperplasia [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
As an additional side effect of the increased sex hormones released in Donohue syndrome, these individuals often have extremely large hands and feet relative to their non-affected peer group. [encyclopedia.com]
- Muscle Hypotonia
Psychic development and learning were adequate, but motor development was delayed due to marked muscle hypotonia. [elsevier.es]
- Large Feet
[…] hands large hand 0001176 Long foot Disproportionately large feet large feet long feet [ more ] 0001833 Low-set ears Low set ears Lowset ears [ more ] 0000369 Nail dysplasia Atypical nail growth 0002164 Ovarian cyst 0000138 Pancreatic islet- cell hyperplasia [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
Face, Head & Neck
- Thick Lips
We report a 5 day old neonate with refractory hyperglycemia and paradoxical hypoglycemia, severe intrauterine growth retardation, typical 'elfin' facies (hypertrichosis, large and low-set ears, broad nasal tip, flared nares, thick lips), reduced subcutaneous [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Facial features indicative of Donohue syndrome include protuberant and low-set, flaring, and thick lips. Physical features include stunted growth (including during ), an enlarged and in affected, and an enlarged in affected males. [sapnaonline.com]
a rare hereditary disorder of extreme insulin resistance that is characterized especially by intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, skin abnormalities, hirsutism, emaciation, widely spaced eyes, thick lips, low-set ears, and enlarged genitalia [merriam-webster.com]
- Small Face
Signs and symptoms include failure to thrive, limited growth, alopecia, wrinkled skin, small face, development of atherosclerosis, and heart disease. There is no cure for this condition. [icd10data.com]
face Short and narrow face Small facies [ more ] 0000274 Wide mouth Broad mouth Large mouth [ more ] 0000154 Showing of 61 | Last updated: 5/1/2019 Making a diagnosis for a genetic or rare disease can often be challenging. [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
At birth, the infant was noted to have dysmorphic features, such as a small face with prominent eyes and thick lips, large, pointed ears, depressed nasal bridge, wide nostrils, absence of subcutaneous fat, wrinkled and loose skin, hirsutism, acanthosis [doi.org]
Neurologic
- Ataxia
[…] insipidus ) 骨腫瘍 ( bone tumor ) 先端巨大症 ( acromegaly ) ケトン症 ( ketosis ) インスリン様増殖因子結合タンパク質 ( insulin-like growth factor binding protein ) モザイク現象 ( mosaicism ) ヒトインスリン ( human insulin ) 筋緊張性ジストロフィー ( myotonic dystrophy ) 恒常性 ( homeostasis ) 毛細血管拡張性運動失調症 ( ataxia [lsd-project.jp]
Telangiectasia [C16.320.080] Ataxia Telangiectasia Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome [C16.320.089] Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome Blood Coagulation Disorders, Inherited Brugada Syndrome [C16.320.100] Brugada Syndrome CADASIL [C16.320.129 [decs.bvsalud.org]
[…] orotaciduric anemia ( D53.0 ) progeria ( E34.8 ) Werner's syndrome ( E34.8 ) xeroderma pigmentosum ( Q82.1 ) ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E79 Disorders of purine and pyrimidine metabolism 2016 2017 2018 2019 Non-Billable/Non-Specific Code Type 1 Excludes Ataxia-telangiectasia [icd10data.com]
[…] resistance include genetic defects in insulin receptor (type A insulin resistance, Rabson–Mendehall syndrome, and leprechaunism), lipodystrophy (Seip–Berardinelli syndrome and Kobberling–Dunnigan syndrome), and immune changes (type B insulin resistance and ataxia-telangiectasia [elsevier.es]
- Cerebellar Ataxia
[…] ophthalmologist and Arvid Vilhelm Lindau(1892-1958) Swedish pathologist Hirst ハースト Hirst phenomenon ハースト現象 His ヒス His bundle ヒス束 Hodgkin ホジキン Hodgkin's granuloma ホジキン肉芽腫 ThomasHodgkin (1798 - 1866) Britishphysician and pathologists Holmes ホームズ Holmes cerebellar [jams.med.or.jp]
Urogenital
- Clitoromegaly
A, Abdominal distension, inguinal hernia, large hands and feet, clitoromegaly, and lipohypotrophy. B, Gum and lip hypertrophy, triangular facies, hirsutism, prominent eyes with infraorbital creases, and nipple hypertrophy. [academic.oup.com]
She appeared markedly emaciated, and had hirsuitism, thickened skin with patchy hyperpigmentation, coarse facial features, sunken cheeks, pointed chin, flared nostrils, broad open mouth, thick lips, low-set ears, enlarged breasts and clitoromegaly. [indianpediatrics.net]
However, other clinical findings, such as growth retardation, clitoromegaly, dysmorphic facial appearance and dental abnormalities observed in RMS were not present in our case. [karger.com]
Dental abnormalities, enlarged phallus in males, clitoromegaly in females, nephromegaly, nephrocalcinosis, paradoxical fasting hypoglycemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, severe insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are other associated findings. [ 7 [ijpeonline.biomedcentral.com]
- Polyuria
In addition, the patient developed polyuria and uremia despite normal creatinine levels, hypernatremia, and hypertension. To our knowledge, these metabolic derangements were not previously reported in patients with DS. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Case presentation An 11 year old boy from a rural area in Sri Lanka presented to us with polyuria, polydipsia of one year duration and intermittent headache of one month duration. [ijpeonline.biomedcentral.com]
- Uremia
In addition, the patient developed polyuria and uremia despite normal creatinine levels, hypernatremia, and hypertension. To our knowledge, these metabolic derangements were not previously reported in patients with DS. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Amenorrhea
Some women present with oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, or features of polycystic ovary syndrome. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Workup
Infants with Donohue syndrome are reliably diagnosed by identifying the characteristic clinical features, along with biochemical and genetic evaluations to confirm the same.
The biochemical abnormality most commonly observed in these infants is hyperinsulinemia, with levels commonly exceeding 1000 pmol/l. Some patients may show insulin levels > 50,000 pmol/l.
The diagnosis of leprechaunism is confirmed by the presence of mutations in the insulin receptor gene (INSR 19p13.3-p13.2) via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A real-time qualitative PCR is usually preferred, although semi-quantitative and quantitative evaluations are now available as well. This genetic analysis may be performed either before or after birth. DNA samples prenatally are collected via amniocentesis. Genetic sequencing techniques thus, aid in diagnosing and counseling mothers with affected babies in their current and/ or subsequent pregnancies.
Other disorders that arise from INSR gene mutations include the type-A insulin resistance syndrome and the Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome and these form the differential diagnosis of leprechaunism. All these diseases represent a continuous clinical spectrum, with Donohue syndrome the most severe (patients usually die by the age of 2 years) and Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome being relatively moderate in severity [7] [8]. Type-A insulin resistance syndrome is usually benign, with patients being diagnosed during adolescence.
X-Ray
- Delayed Bone Age
Most infants with leprechaunism exhibit delayed growth before and after birth (pre- and postnatal growth deficiency), delayed bone age or maturation. [rarediseases.org]
Serum
- Hypoglycemia
Very mild initial hypoglycemia spontaneously resolved in the first day of life. At presentation, she weighed 2800 g (−2.5 sd score). [academic.oup.com]
The neonate died within two months secondary to hypoglycemia. Diplex PCR analysis of the insulin receptor gene revealed the neonate to be homozygous for deletion of exon 3. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Laboratory examinations revealed fasting hypoglycemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia. The diagnosis of Donohue Syndrome was characterized by the combination of dysmorphic features and biochemical results. [jbums.org]
Treatment
We consider that the rhIGF1 treatment contributed to his long survival, but it was not able to prevent his diabetic condition. Our report provides important insights into the function of INSR, and for the treatment of leprechaunism. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Transplantation 765 65 Treatment of Diabetes in the Hospitalized Patient 1103 66 The Diabetic Foot Strategies for Treatment 1111 BIOLOGY OF THE COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES 793 67 Vascular Disease of the Lower Extremities 1123 Cameron M Akbari and Frank [books.google.com]
Prognosis
The prognosis is poor, with most babies dying in infancy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Prognosis Prognosis is uncertain, growth is severely affected and life expectancy rarely exceeds a few months. The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. [orpha.net]
It may be that this is a milder type of leprechaunism with a better prognosis, perhaps caused by a different type of mutation from those previously described. [doi.org]
Etiology
Etiology The syndrome is associated with homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the insulin receptor gene ( INSR ; 19p13.3-p13.2). Diagnostic methods A positive diagnosis requires identification of one mutation in each allele of this gene. [orpha.net]
It is hoped that recent advancements in the genetic etiologies of common diseases will improve pharmaceutical development ... [liquisearch.com]
Etiologic diagnosis and behaviour when confronted with abnormal hair growth in a child. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2002;129:817-20. Longo N, Wang Y et al. Genotype-phenotype correlation in inherited severe insulin resistance. [malattierare.regione.veneto.it]
Epidemiology
Summary Epidemiology It is a very rare condition with less than 1 case in every million births. [orpha.net]
[…] collaborate analysis of diabetic criteria in AsiaDECODA研究 Diabetes epidemiology collaborate analysis of diabetic criteria in EuropeDECODE研究 Diabetes epidemiology research internationalDERI研究 Diabetes mellitus due to other specific mechanisms or disease [jds.or.jp]
Epidemiology[edit] Donohue syndrome is an extremely rare disorder that occurs in one of every million births worldwide. [en.wikipedia.org]
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology The primary defect in leprechaunism is located in the insulin receptor, but a secondary associated defect probably is responsible for growth failure because of an impaired response to endogenous growth hormone. [accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com]
"Brugada" syndrome: clinical data and suggested pathophysiological mechanism. Circulation. 1999 Feb 9. 99(5):666-73. [Medline]. Meregalli PG, Wilde AA, Tan HL. [emedicine.medscape.com]
We report the clinical, molecular, and biochemical characterization of three new patients with DS, and address genotype–phenotype issues playing a role in the pathophysiology of DS. [scienceopen.com]
Why diagnose monogenic diabetes To elucidate the pathophysiology Changes the treatment diagnosis has implications for other family members often correcting their diagnosis, prognosis and treatment as well as allowing appropriate genetic counselling [slideshare.net]
[citation needed] Pathophysiology[edit] The cause of the disease is the lack of a fully functional insulin receptor, which has a profound effect during fetal development and thereafter. [en.wikipedia.org]
Prevention
We consider that the rhIGF1 treatment contributed to his long survival, but it was not able to prevent his diabetic condition. Our report provides important insights into the function of INSR, and for the treatment of leprechaunism. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
But prevention helps exist and help to fight against this syndrome. ولكن وسائل الوقاية موجوده، وتساعد على محاربة هذه المتلازمة. Babies born with Hunter syndrome almost always appear healthy at birth. [context.reverso.net]
CONCLUSION: According to the present case report, close monitoring of blood glucose as well as caring to prevent infection and sepsis is recommended. Keywords: Leprechaunism, Donohue Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, Craniofacial Abnormalities. [jbums.org]
Donohue syndrome results from a mutation of the insulin receptor gene which prevents insulin in the blood from being processed. [encyclopedia.com]
References
- Longo N, Langley SD, Griffin LD, et al. Two mutations in the insulin receptor gene of a patient with leprechaunism: application to prenatal diagnosis. JCEM 1995; 80:1496–1501.
- Semple RK, Savage DB, Halsall DJ, et al., editors. Syndromes of severe insulin resistance and/or lipodystrophy. Genetic Diagnosis of Endocrine Disorders. London: Elsevier; 2010. 39–52.
- Donohue WL. Clinical Conference: dysendocrinism. J Pediatr 1948; 32:739–1739.
- Taylor SI, Arioglu E. Genetically defined forms of diabetes in children. JCEM. 1999; 84:4390–4396.
- Unal S, Aycan Z, Halsall DJ, et al. Donohue syndrome in a neonate with homozygous deletion of exon 3 of the insulin receptor gene. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2009; 22:669–674.
- Longo N, Wang Y, Smith SA, et al. Genotype -phenotype correlation in inherited severe insulin resistance. Hum Mol Genet 2002; 11:1465–1475.
- Semple RK, Savage DB, Cochran EK, et al. Genetic syndromes of severe insulin resistance. Endocrine Reviews 2011; 32:498–514.
- Ardon O, Procter M, Tvrdik T, et al. Sequencing analysis of insulin receptor defects and detection of two novel mutations in INSR gene. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2014; 1:71–84.