title: Pseudosyndactyly and musculoskeletal contractures in inherited epidermolysis bullosa: experience of the National Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry, 1986-2002.
abstract: Mitten deformities of the hands and feet occur in nearly every patient with the most severe subtype (Hallopeau-Siemens) of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, and in at least 40-50% of all other recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients. Smaller numbers of patients with dominant dystrophic, junctional, and simplex types of epidermolysis bullosa are also at risk of this complication. Surgical intervention is commonly performed to correct these deformities, but recurrence and the need for repeated surgery are common. Higher numbers of epidermolysis bullosa patients also develop musculoskeletal contractures in other anatomic sites, further impairing overall function. Lifetable analyses not only better project the cumulative risk of mitten deformities and other contractures but also emphasize the need for early surveillance and intervention, since both of these musculoskeletal complications may occur within the first year of life.
authors.affiliation: National Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. profmoose@aol.com
authors.forename: J-D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Fine
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weiner
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cash
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Deleoz
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Devries
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Suchindran
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology; D004820:Epidermolysis Bullosa / Q000150:complications*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D012042:Registries