Master IPEX Syndrome with Picmonic for Medicine

IPEX syndrome is inherited in an X-linked fashion.

The onset of IPEX syndrome occurs in the first year of life. The syndrome presents with the clinical triad of endocrinopathy, enteropathy, and dermatitis

Regulatory T cells potentiate immune suppression, which plays a crucial role in immune homeostasis. IPEX syndrome is characterized by the dysfunction of regulatory T cells resulting in autoimmunity.

IPEX syndrome is caused by a mutation of the transcription factor FOXP3 which is important for the function of regulatory T cells. FOXP3 plays a role in the differentiation of CD4+ Tregs. The high level of FOXP3 expression results in a suppressive capacity of Tregs. Deficiency of FOXP3 will cause autoimmunity.

The dysregulation of the immune in IPEX syndrome causes autoimmune disease and allergic inflammation.

The hallmark of IPEX is the early onset of autoimmune endocrinopathies, typically manifest as diabetes or thyroiditis.

IPEX syndrome is associated with diabetes in male infants. Diabetes mellitus type I is the most common endocrinopathy. Hyperglycemia may be seen at birth due to immune-mediated destruction of islet cells.

Enteropathy is a common manifestation seen in infants with IPEX syndrome. It can cause failure to thrive. Manifestations may include intractable diarrhea, gastritis, vomiting, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and ileus.

Enteropathy can be featured as severe diarrhea with mucoid or blood. It can be aggravated by a diet change from breastfeeding to formula. This symptom can be life-threatening in patients.

Dermatitis in IPEX syndrome manifests as an eczematous rash (mainly atopic dermatitis) that occurs in early infancy. Other manifestations may include alopecia, cheilitis, and onychodystrophy.

An abnormal change in color, texture, shape, and growth of the fingernails or toenails characterizes nail dystrophy. This feature can also be seen in patients with IPEX syndrome.

Patients with IPEX syndrome will need to be treated with supportive care. The standard treatment for this disorder is bone marrow transplantation, and if left untreated, it's often fatal.