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Zellweger Spectrum Disorder

Editor: Divij Pasrija Updated:

Introduction

Zellweger spectrum disorder, also known as cerebrohepatorenal syndrome, is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the absence/reduction of functional peroxisomes in cells, essential for beta-oxidation of very long-chain fatty acids. It is autosomal recessive in inheritance, and the spectrum of the disease includes Zellweger spectrum disorder, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy (NALD), infantile Refsum disease (IRD), and rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata type 1 (RCDP1) depending on the phenotype and severity.[1][2]

Etiology

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Etiology

Zellweger spectrum disorder is caused by mutations in various genes required for peroxisome biogenesis. Mutations in at least 13 different PEX genes have been associated, and the PEX genes encode proteins called peroxins (a peroxisome assembly protein). The most common mutations are the PEX1 or PEX6 gene, seen in approximately 65% of patients.[3] These genes encode ATPases needed to import the protein into peroxisomes from the cytosol outside.[4]

Peroxisomal disorders are subdivided into 3 groups based on functional disturbances in peroxisome as follows:

  • Zellweger spectrum disorder, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, and infantile Refsum disease are associated with generalized loss of peroxisome function
  • Adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenomyeloneuropathy (ALD/AMN) associated with a single enzymatic defect in peroxisome
  • Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata associated with multiple enzymatic defects in peroxisome [5]

Epidemiology

Zellweger spectrum disorder is the most common peroxisomal disorder that presents in early infancy, with an incidence of 1 in 50,000 live births in the United States, but it varies between regions.[6] A higher incidence occurs in the region of Quebec (1 in 12,000) and a lower incidence in Japan (1 in 500,000). The overall incidence of peroxisomal disorder is about 1 in 50,000 to 100,000 live births.

Pathophysiology

Peroxisomes are single membrane-bounded organelles with a matrix containing over 50 enzymes for fatty acid metabolism. All human cells except erythrocytes contain peroxisomes. The liver and kidney have peroxisomes in abundance in comparison to other organs. Peroxins are necessary for the proper assembly of peroxisomes, and mutations in the peroxin gene (PEX) result in a defect in peroxisomal formation associated with lower or undetectable levels of key internal enzymes. The peroxisomes are involved in beta-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA), alpha oxidation of branched-chain fatty acids, catabolism of amino acids and ethanol, biosynthesis of bile acids, steroid hormones, gluconeogenesis, and plasmalogen formation which are important constituents of the cell membrane and myelin. It is also involved in the degradation of cytotoxic hydrogen peroxide.[7]

Zellweger spectrum disorder is thus characterized by increased accumulation of VLCFA and increased C26 and C22 fatty acids in plasma, fibroblasts, and amniocytes.[8] Reduced steroid biosynthesis and accumulation of VLCFA in adrenal gland cells cause decreased levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and other steroidal hormones.[9] Reduced degradation of cytotoxic hydrogen peroxide and abnormal accumulation of VLCFA causes neuronal membrane injury and demyelination.[10] Major abnormalities are present in the kidney (cortical cysts), liver (fibrotic), and brain (demyelination, centrosylvian polymicrogyria) - hence the name cerebrohepatorenal syndrome.

History and Physical

The disorder affects almost every organ system, as peroxisomes are present in almost all cells. Manifestations include severe craniofacial abnormalities, hypotonia, severe neurodevelopmental delay, sensorineural hearing loss, ocular abnormalities, and enamel abnormalities. Hepatomegaly is present in 80% of cases with increased liver enzymes and bilirubin levels. Renal cortical cysts are present in 70% of cases.[11]

Depending on the age of presentation, patients are divided into 3 groups.[6]

  1. Neonatal-infantile presentation: Most children present with hypotonia, reduced spontaneous movements, and a weak cry. They frequently have difficulty feeding, and seizures can be early onset during neonatal life.[6] They often have facial dysmorphism, including a high forehead, large fontanelles, wide sutures, hypoplastic supraorbital ridges, and broad nasal bridge. Ocular abnormalities include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy; these patients can have varying degrees of sensorineural deafness. 
  2. Childhood presentation: Children present with developmental delay, failure to thrive, eye and hearing abnormalities, including varying levels of hepatic dysfunction, adrenal insufficiency, and renal calcium oxalate stones. They can have regression of previously attained neurological milestones secondary to demyelination (leukodystrophy).
  3. Adolescent and adult presentation: Individuals may present with developmental delay, neuroregression, cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, adrenal insufficiency, and leukodystrophy.

Evaluation

The initial diagnostic step identifies clinical features and demonstrates elevated very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) in blood during newborn screening. Genetic testing makes the diagnosis of PEX genes. The next step in evaluation is biochemical testing, looking for elevated levels of VLCFA, phytanic and/or pristanic acid, pipecolic acid, bile acid intermediates, and reduced levels of plasmalogen in red blood cells.[12] Patients with mild disease may have normal biochemical tests, so confirmation in cultured skin fibroblasts at 40 degrees centigrade is required if clinical suspicion is high.[6] Genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis are crucial.[2]

Treatment / Management

Zellweger spectrum disorder is a rapidly progressive disorder with a high mortality rate. With no curative treatment available, treatment options are limited to supportive care to improve quality of life.[11] 

Various treatment modalities that have been reported include:

  • Docosahexaenoic acid: This is a long-chain unsaturated fatty acid essential for myelination, brain, and eye development. The levels of docosahexaenoic acid are low in the plasma of patients with Zellweger spectrum disorder. However, its replacement was not associated with improved neurological symptoms or visual disturbances in randomized controlled trials.[13]
  • Lorenzo's oil: Lorenzo's oil is a mixture of glyceryl trioleate and glyceryl trierucate, and its use was initially attempted in patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. It was shown to reduce VLCFA levels in plasma but did not affect disease progression in patients.[14][15]
  • Cholic acid: This is a 24-carbon bile acid, which is helpful in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Due to liver dysfunction and lipoprotein synthesis impairment in patients with Zellweger spectrum disorder, fat-soluble vitamins are deficient, and the use of cholic acid has been tried in other hepatic function disorders. The FDA has approved it for use in patients. However, there is little evidence regarding its efficacy.[16]
  • (A1)

Supportive measures include:

  • Hearing aids or cochlear implants for hearing loss
  • Ophthalmologist referral, cataract removal, and glasses for vision impairment
  • Standard antiepileptic drugs for seizures
  • Vitamin K supplementation for coagulopathy
  • Cortisone for adrenal insufficiency
  • Gastrostomy for insufficient calorie intake
  • Vitamin supplementation for low levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E)

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnoses of Zellweger spectrum disorder based on the main presenting symptom are listed below.

Hypotonia in newborns

  • Chromosomal abnormalities (Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome)
  • Spinal muscular atrophy
  • Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
  • Other peroxisomal disorders (acyl-CoA oxidase type 1 deficiency, D-bifunctional protein deficiency)

Sensorineural hearing loss with retinitis pigmentosa

  • Usher syndrome type 1, 2
  • Cockayne syndrome
  • Alport syndrome
  • Waardenburg syndrome
  • Classical Refsum disease

Bilateral cataract

  • Lowe syndrome
  • Galactosemia
  • Congenital infections
  • Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctate

Adrenocortical Insufficiency

  • Adrenal hemorrhage
  • X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy
  • Infectious adrenalitis [6]

Prognosis

Children presenting in the neonatal period have a very poor prognosis and usually die within the first year of life. Patients who present in later childhood can develop progressive liver disease/failure and have slightly longer survival after diagnosis as compared to the neonatal form. Patients who present in adolescence have a slightly longer survival but usually develop progressive neurological symptoms, including spasticity and peripheral neuropathy, later in life.

Complications

Complications of Zellweger spectrum disorder include the following:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Liver failure
  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory distress
  • Infections

Deterrence and Patient Education

Zellweger spectrum disorder is a fatal and progressive disease with multiple congenital anomalies. Even with improved care, the survival rate is poor. There are reports of affected children living up to 2 years, depending on genetic-phenotypic variability, and they typically die from respiratory failure, apnea, or complications from an infection.

Due to poor outcomes and no specific treatment, genetic testing and counseling for family planning should be offered to potential carriers before pregnancy. Prenatal or preimplantation genetic diagnosis is also available for potential carriers.[17]

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Patients diagnosed with Zellweger spectrum disorder should have interprofessional care with a medical team comprising a metabolic disease specialist, neurology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, and occupational and physical therapists with appropriate follow-up arranged before hospital discharge. As Zellweger spectrum disorder affects multiple organs, appropriate care would be possible by teamwork and collaboration among specialists from multiple disciplines. Additionally, palliative resource integration improves the quality of life for infants and parents. Genetic testing is crucial for early diagnosis.

References


[1]

Powers JM, Tummons RC, Caviness VS Jr, Moser AB, Moser HW. Structural and chemical alterations in the cerebral maldevelopment of fetal cerebro-hepato-renal (Zellweger) syndrome. Journal of neuropathology and experimental neurology. 1989 May:48(3):270-89     [PubMed PMID: 2703857]


[2]

Rafique M, Zia S, Rana MN, Mostafa OA. Zellweger syndrome - a lethal peroxisome biogenesis disorder. Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM. 2013:26(3-4):377-9. doi: 10.1515/jpem-2012-0320. Epub     [PubMed PMID: 23327810]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[3]

Schieferdecker A, Wendler P. Structural Mapping of Missense Mutations in the Pex1/Pex6 Complex. International journal of molecular sciences. 2019 Aug 1:20(15):. doi: 10.3390/ijms20153756. Epub 2019 Aug 1     [PubMed PMID: 31374812]


[4]

Geisbrecht BV, Collins CS, Reuber BE, Gould SJ. Disruption of a PEX1-PEX6 interaction is the most common cause of the neurologic disorders Zellweger syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, and infantile Refsum disease. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 1998 Jul 21:95(15):8630-5     [PubMed PMID: 9671729]


[5]

Molzer B, Stöckler S, Bernheimer H. [Peroxisomal neurologic diseases and Refsum disease: very long chain fatty acids and phytanic acid as diagnostic markers]. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift. 1992:104(21):665-70     [PubMed PMID: 1282286]


[6]

Klouwer FC, Berendse K, Ferdinandusse S, Wanders RJ, Engelen M, Poll-The BT. Zellweger spectrum disorders: clinical overview and management approach. Orphanet journal of rare diseases. 2015 Dec 1:10():151. doi: 10.1186/s13023-015-0368-9. Epub 2015 Dec 1     [PubMed PMID: 26627182]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[7]

Roth KS. Peroxisomal disease--common ground for pediatrician, cell biologist, biochemist, pathologist, and neurologist. Clinical pediatrics. 1999 Feb:38(2):73-5     [PubMed PMID: 10047939]


[8]

Moser AB, Kreiter N, Bezman L, Lu S, Raymond GV, Naidu S, Moser HW. Plasma very long chain fatty acids in 3,000 peroxisome disease patients and 29,000 controls. Annals of neurology. 1999 Jan:45(1):100-10     [PubMed PMID: 9894883]


[9]

Knazek RA, Rizzo WB, Schulman JD, Dave JR. Membrane microviscosity is increased in the erythrocytes of patients with adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy. The Journal of clinical investigation. 1983 Jul:72(1):245-8     [PubMed PMID: 6874949]


[10]

Powers JM, Moser HW. Peroxisomal disorders: genotype, phenotype, major neuropathologic lesions, and pathogenesis. Brain pathology (Zurich, Switzerland). 1998 Jan:8(1):101-20     [PubMed PMID: 9458170]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[11]

Kheir AE. Zellweger syndrome: A cause of neonatal hypotonia and seizures. Sudanese journal of paediatrics. 2011:11(2):54-8     [PubMed PMID: 27493320]


[12]

Braverman NE, Raymond GV, Rizzo WB, Moser AB, Wilkinson ME, Stone EM, Steinberg SJ, Wangler MF, Rush ET, Hacia JG, Bose M. Peroxisome biogenesis disorders in the Zellweger spectrum: An overview of current diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and treatment guidelines. Molecular genetics and metabolism. 2016 Mar:117(3):313-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2015.12.009. Epub 2015 Dec 23     [PubMed PMID: 26750748]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[13]

Paker AM, Sunness JS, Brereton NH, Speedie LJ, Albanna L, Dharmaraj S, Moser AB, Jones RO, Raymond GV. Docosahexaenoic acid therapy in peroxisomal diseases: results of a double-blind, randomized trial. Neurology. 2010 Aug 31:75(9):826-30. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181f07061. Epub     [PubMed PMID: 20805528]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[14]

Aubourg P, Adamsbaum C, Lavallard-Rousseau MC, Rocchiccioli F, Cartier N, Jambaqué I, Jakobezak C, Lemaitre A, Boureau F, Wolf C. A two-year trial of oleic and erucic acids ("Lorenzo's oil") as treatment for adrenomyeloneuropathy. The New England journal of medicine. 1993 Sep 9:329(11):745-52     [PubMed PMID: 8350883]


[15]

Arai Y, Kitamura Y, Hayashi M, Oshida K, Shimizu T, Yamashiro Y. Effect of dietary Lorenzo's oil and docosahexaenoic acid treatment for Zellweger syndrome. Congenital anomalies. 2008 Dec:48(4):180-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-4520.2008.00201.x. Epub     [PubMed PMID: 18983586]


[16]

Keane MH, Overmars H, Wikander TM, Ferdinandusse S, Duran M, Wanders RJ, Faust PL. Bile acid treatment alters hepatic disease and bile acid transport in peroxisome-deficient PEX2 Zellweger mice. Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.). 2007 Apr:45(4):982-97     [PubMed PMID: 17393522]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[17]

Lee PR, Raymond GV. Child neurology: Zellweger syndrome. Neurology. 2013 May 14:80(20):e207-10. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182929f8e. Epub     [PubMed PMID: 23671347]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence