Article Text

Download PDFPDF
X-linked ichthyosis (steroid sulfatase deficiency) is associated with increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and social communication deficits
  1. L Kent1,
  2. J Emerton1,
  3. V Bhadravathi1,
  4. E Weisblatt2,
  5. G Pasco3,
  6. L R Willatt4,
  7. R McMahon4,
  8. J R W Yates4,5
  1. 1
    Developmental Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
  2. 2
    Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK
  3. 3
    Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, UK
  4. 4
    Medical Genetics Service, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
  5. 5
    Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, UK
  1. Dr Lindsey Kent, Bute Medical School, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TS, UK; lsk8{at}st-andrews.ac.uk

Abstract

Background: X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) (steroid sulfatase deficiency) is caused by deletions or point mutations of the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene on chromosome Xp22.32. Deletions of this region can be associated with cognitive behavioural difficulties including autism. Animal work suggests the STS gene may be involved in attentional processes. We have therefore undertaken a systematic study of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in boys with XLI.

Methods: Cases of XLI were recruited from families originally ascertained when pregnancies with STS deficiency were identified through a routine maternal screening programme. Boys with XLI were assessed for ADHD and autism using standardised questionnaires and interviews. Deletions of the STS gene were identified and characterised by analysis of genomic DNA and/or fluorescent in situ hybridisation.

Results: 25 boys with XLI were assessed for autism and ADHD. 40% fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, 80% of which were inattentive subtype. ADHD diagnoses were present in those with both deletions and presumed point mutations of STS. Additionally, five boys, from three unrelated families, fulfilled criteria for an autistic spectrum disorder or related language/communication difficulty, and all had an unusually large deletion of the STS gene with loss of the neuroligin 4 (NLGN4) gene. None of the boys with the typical deletion or presumed point mutations of STS demonstrated autistic difficulties.

Conclusions: STS deficiency may be a risk factor for ADHD with predominantly inattentive symptoms. Boys with XLI and large deletions encompassing STS and NLGN4 are at increased risk of developing autism and related disorders.

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None declared.

  • Ethics approval: The study was approved by the local research ethics committee.

  • Patient consent: Parental/guardian consent obtained.