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Lesch–Nyhan syndrome

Author: Brian Wu, MD candidate, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA. DermNet New Zealand Editor in Chief: Adjunct A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand. Copy editor(s): Maria McGivern/Gus Mitchell. July 2017.


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What is Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is a rare inherited disorder in which there are high levels of uric acid. It presents with a wide range of neurological, renal, musculoskeletal and behavioural issues, the most common of which is self-mutilation (in 85% of affected children).

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome was first described by Doctors Michael Lesch and William Nyhan in 1964. This syndrome is also known by some other names including Lesch–Nyhan disease, Nyhan syndrome, juvenile gout, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT or HPRT) deficiency, X-linked hyperuricaemia, and choreoathetosis self-mutilation syndrome.

Who gets Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is rare, occurring in 1 out of every 100,000 to 380,000 live births. It presents almost exclusively in males whose mothers were carriers for mutations in the HPRT-1 gene (the Lesch–Nyhan gene), with female presentations being very rare. A mother with this gene has a 25% chance of producing a son who suffers from this disorder, a 25% chance of an unaffected son, a 25% of an unaffected daughter and a 25% chance of a carrier daughter.

What causes Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is an X chromosome-linked recessive genetic disorder due to a lack or near-lack of the HGPRT enzyme. This enzyme is needed to break down purines, which are found in foods like meats and legumes. Purines are colourless crystalline compounds with basic properties that form uric acid on oxidation; they include the bases adenine and guanine, constituents of nucleic acids, as well as many alkaloids such as caffeine and theophylline. The accumulation of purines leads to a build-up of uric acid and affects multiple organs.

What are the clinical features of Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is characterised by:

  • Self-mutilating behaviour
  • Impaired kidney function due to uric acid calculi (stones)
  • Swollen, painful joints
  • Dystonia (abnormal muscle contractions that produce twisting, jerking motions)
  • Chorea (recurring involuntary limb or facial movements)
  • Hypotonia (reduced muscle tension)
  • Muscle spasticity and opisthotonos (spasms that arch the head, neck and back backwards while the body bows forward)
  • Increased deep tendon reflexes (in infants)
  • Intellectual disability (usually mild to moderate)
  • Abnormal behaviour, including aggression, irritability, spitting and screaming
  • Dysphagia
  • Low weight for age
  • Megaloblastic anaemia (rare).

Cutaneous findings in Lesch–Nyan syndrome

The biting of fingers and lips, scratching of the face and gouging of the eyes resulting in:

  • Excoriations and wounds
  • Scarring
  • Callus formation.

Gouty tophi (nodular masses of monosodium urate crystals that develop and appear as firm lumps under the skin) form on the ears and over the joints of the fingers and toes.

How is Lesch–Nyhan syndrome diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is based on careful patient history, physical examination findings, and blood tests to detect high levels of uric acid. Where available, genetic testing confirms the presence of an abnormal HPRT-1 gene.

What are the differential diagnoses for Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

The differential diagnosis for Lesch–Nyhan syndrome includes:

What is the treatment for Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

The treatment for Lesch–Nyhan syndrome depends on the individual patient’s symptoms, but may include:

  • Allopurinol to reduce the levels of uric acid in the body
  • Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to treat kidney stones
  • Depakote, gabapentin, carbamazepine and benzodiazepines for neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms.

No methods, to date, have been consistently found to reduce self-mutilating behaviour. Psychotherapy, restraints, a mouth/dental guard, and dental extraction have been used.

What is the outcome for Lesch–Nyhan syndrome?

Death from Lesch–Nyhan syndrome usually occurs in the second or third decade of life due to infection or renal failure.

 

References

  • Cauwels RG, Martens LC. Self-mutilating behaviour in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. J Oral Pathol Med 2005; 34: 573–5. PubMed
  • Cusumano FJ, Penna KJ, Panossian G. Prevention of self-mutilation in patients with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome: review of literature. ASDC J Dent Child 2001; 68: 175–8. PubMed
  • Nyhan WL; National Organization for Rare Diseases. Lesch Nyhan syndrome. 2015. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/lesch-nyhan-syndrome/ (accessed 23 December 2016).

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