Endocrine and Growth Abnormalities in 4H Leukodystrophy Caused by Variants in POLR3A, POLR3B, and POLR1C

Félixe Pelletier, Stefanie Perrier, Ferdy K Cayami, Amytice Mirchi, Stephan Saikali, Luan T Tran, Nicole Ulrick, Kether Guerrero, Emmanouil Rampakakis, Rosalina M L van Spaendonk, Sakkubai Naidu, Daniela Pohl (+107 others)
2020 Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism  
4H or POLR3-related leukodystrophy is an autosomal recessive disorder typically characterized by hypomyelination, hypodontia, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in POLR3A, POLR3B, POLR1C and POLR3K. The endocrine and growth abnormalities associated with this disorder have not been thoroughly investigated to date. To systematically characterize endocrine abnormalities of patients with 4H leukodystrophy. An international cross-sectional study was performed
more » ... n 150 patients with genetically confirmed 4H leukodystrophy between 2015-2016. Endocrine and growth abnormalities were evaluated, and neurological and other non-neurological features were reviewed. Potential genotype/phenotype associations were also investigated. This was a multicenter retrospective study using information collected from three predominant centers. 150 patients with 4H leukodystrophy and pathogenic variants in POLR3A, POLR3B, or POLR1C were included. Variables used to evaluate endocrine and growth abnormalities included pubertal history, hormone levels (estradiol, testosterone, stimulated LH and FSH, stimulated GH, IGF-1, prolactin, ACTH, cortisol, TSH, and T4), height and head circumference charts. The most common endocrine abnormalities were delayed puberty (57/74; 77% overall, 64% in males, 89% in females) and short stature (57/93; 61%), when evaluated according to physician assessment. Abnormal thyroid function was reported in 22% (13/59) of patients. Our results confirm pubertal abnormalities and short stature are the most common endocrine features seen in 4H leukodystrophy. However, we noted that endocrine abnormalities are typically under-investigated in this patient population. A prospective study is required to formulate evidence-based recommendations for management of the endocrine manifestations of this disorder.
doi:10.1210/clinem/dgaa700 pmid:33005949 pmcid:PMC7823228 fatcat:jkuq66nrc5bxxoumrmxijdtzhe