Novel homozygous mutation of PNLIP gene in congenital pancreatic lipase deficiency: an extended family study.

INTRODUCTION

Congenital pancreatic lipase deficiency (MIM 614338) is a rare genetic disorder caused by homozygous mutation in the PNLIP gene. Few cases have been reported worldwide and among them, few cases were genetically confirmed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 3-year-old girl presented with abundant greasy diarrhea started at the age of 2 years. Work up of steatorrhea including molecular testing of PNLIP gene in the patient and her family was done.

RESULTS

A novel homozygous variant c.1257G > A (p. Trp419Ter) of the PNLIP gene was detected in the patient. Her parents and two siblings were carriers for the same mutation. Pancreatic enzyme therapy was introduced, and a multidisciplinary team was involved with the education for the need for the lifelong use of pancreatic enzymes, and genetic counseling was carried out. There was a great improvement of steatorrhea with pancreatic enzymes treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

PNLIP deficiency should be suspected in patients with steatorrhea who have low pancreatic lipase and an otherwise normal health and appropriate growth.