Malignant infantile osteopetrosis and primary pulmonary hypertension: a new combination?
Malignant infantile osteopetrosis (MIOP), a rare genetic disorder of the osteoclast, is fatal without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), a rare progressive disorder of the pulmonary circulation, is predominantly fatal in the absence of successful therapy. A clinical association between these two disorders has not been recognized and a pathophysiologic link between osteoclast function and pulmonary vascular pressure as a rationale for such an association is not readily apparent. Here, we report five infants with MIOP, without cardiac abnormalities, who were found to have PPH after undergoing stem cell transplantation. We suggest that PPH may be linked to a specific variant of MIOP and recognizing the potential for pulmonary hypertension in children with MIOP may lead to a more rapid diagnosis and life-saving intervention.
Kasow
Kimberly A
KA
Division of Stem Cell Transplantation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. kimberly.kasow@stjude.org
Bonfim
Carmem
C
Asch
Julie
J
Margolis
David A
DA
Jenkins
Jesse
J
Tamburro
Robert F
RF
Handgretinger
Rupert
R
Horwitz
Edwin M
EM
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010022:Osteopetrosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents