Chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature

Disease Overview

Chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature syndrome (CANDLE syndrome) occurs when the immune system attacks the body by mistake. Symptoms usually develop within the first few months of life and may include recurrent fevers and purple colored spots on the skin particularly around the eyes. Loss of body fat, bone, and joint pain also usually occur. Since so few people have been reported with CANDLE syndrome, it is difficult to know how it affects people in the long term. CANDLE syndrome occurs when the PSMB8 gene is not working correctly. Other genes associated with CANDLE syndrome include PSMB4, PSMA3, and POMP.  It is usually inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern; however, when associated with variants in the POMP gene, may be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. There is no specific treatment for this condition; however, steroids may help reduce the frequency of symptoms. 

Synonyms

• CANDLE syndrome
• Chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis-lipodystrophy-elevated temperature syndrome