Prolidase deficiency: it looks like systemic lupus erythematosus but it is not

Eur J Pediatr. 2010 Jun;169(6):727-32. doi: 10.1007/s00431-009-1102-1. Epub 2009 Nov 24.

Abstract

Three siblings with recalcitrant leg ulceration, splenomegaly, photosensitive rash, and autoantibodies were suspected of having prolidase deficiency. Urine was checked for iminodipeptiduria, fibroblasts were cultured and analyzed for prolidase activity, and DNA was extracted for identifying the causative mutation. Glycyl proline was found as the dominant dipeptide in the urine. The activity of proline dipeptidase in fibroblasts was 2.5% of control fibroblasts. Sequence analysis of the PEPD gene revealed a homozygous nonsense C-->G transition at nucleotide 768. In conclusion, prolidase deficiency was diagnosed in siblings with skin ulceration autoantibodies and a lupus-like disease. A novel nonsense mutation was found, associated with the severe outcome of our patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leg Ulcer / etiology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Prolidase Deficiency / complications
  • Prolidase Deficiency / diagnosis*
  • Prolidase Deficiency / genetics
  • Siblings
  • Splenomegaly / etiology*