Sjögren–Larsson syndrome
| Sjögren–Larsson syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Other names | SLS |
| Two brothers (21 and 25 years old) with generalized dryness of skin with fine scales mainly around the umbilicus and in the flexural folds, one of Sjögren–Larsson syndrome's characteristics | |
| Specialty | Medical genetics |
Sjögren–Larsson syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive form of ichthyosis with neurological symptoms.: 485 : 564 It can be identified by a triad of medical disorders. The first is ichthyosis, which is a buildup of skin to form a scale-like covering that causes dry skin and other problems. The second identifier is paraplegia which is characterized by leg spasms. The final identifier is intellectual delay.
SLS is caused by a mutation in the fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase gene found on chromosome 17. In order for a child to receive SLS both parents must be carriers of the SLS gene. If they are carriers their child has a 1/4 chance of getting the disease. In 1957 Sjögren and Larsson proposed that the Swedes with the disease all descended from a common ancestor 600 years ago. Today only 30–40 persons in Sweden have this disease.