B. Bouadjar et al., Clinical and genetic studies of 3 large, consanguineous, Algerian familieswith Mal de Melda, ARCH DERMAT, 136(10), 2000, pp. 1247-1252
Background: Mal de Meleda (MIM 248300), also referred to as keratosis palmo
plantaris transgrediens of Siemens, is a rare autosomal recessive skin diso
rder with a prevalence in the general population of 1 in 100 000. The main
clinical characteristics are transgressive palmoplantar keratoderma, hyperh
idrosis, and perioral erythema, but there are also associated features such
as brachydactyly, nail abnormalities, and lichenoid plaques.
Observations: We studied the clinical and genetic characteristics of 3 larg
e, consanguineous, Algerian families, including 14 affected individuals. Ho
mozygosity mapping of the third family confirmed localization of the respon
sible gene to 8qter in all 3 families.
Conclusions: Although some differences in phenotypic expression among subje
cts were noted, genetic analysis of the 3 families who shared a common ethn
ic background indicated that a single gene is responsible for mal de Meleda
in this population.