Xeroderma pigmentosum: a retrospective case series in Zimbabwe.
OBJECTIVE
To present our experience with the clinical features and management of black African patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP).


METHODS
Twelve patients with XP were seen over a 25-year period, and were retrospectively reviewed for age, gender, clinical features, treatment, and follow-up.


RESULTS
There were 8 females and 4 males with an age range of 3 to 18 years. One patient, the longest survivor, was followed until death at 18 years. Nine patients had the severe form of XP and 3 had the mild form. All patients had early ocular involvement with photophobia and early blindness. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was present on the skin, lip, and tongue in most patients. One patient had ocular surface SCC. There was marked skin photosensitivity. No history of consanguinity was noted in the parents of the patients. Surgery was the treatment modality of choice. Follow-up was poor.


CONCLUSIONS
XP is uncommon in our black population, and presents in the severe form with SCC as the malignant skin, lip, and tongue lesion. It is common in early childhood with severe photosensitivity, photophobia, and eventual blindness. Follow-up is difficult in our environment.
Chidzonga
Midion Mapfumo
MM
Department of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe. mmchidzo@utande.co.zw
Mahomva
Leonard
L
Makunike-Mutasa
Rudo
R
Masanganise
Rangarirai
R
D000293:Adolescent; D044383:Black People; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000208:ethnology / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D014983:Xeroderma Pigmentosum / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D015030:Zimbabwe