Placental sulfatase deficiency: maternal and fetal expression of steroid sulfatase deficiency and X-linked ichthyosis.

PSD-X-linked ichthyosis are manifestations of a similar disorder of an inborn error of metabolism characterized by a deficiency of steroid sulfatase. The decreased enzyme activity is due to the absence of the expression of enzyme (steroid sulfatase) protein. Affected individuals with this disorder are males (X-linked inheritance) with a frequency of 1/2000 to 1/6000 births. Homozygous females from cosanguineous marriages have been reported with this disorder. The diagnosis is suspected and confirmed by: Low estriol excretion; Negative DHEAS loading test Increased DHEAS in amnionic fluid; Normal DHEAS in cord plasma; Possible delayed or abnormal labor patterns; Decreased sulfatase activity in the placenta, fibroblast, erythrocytes, lymphocytes or leukocytes of affected individuals; Development of ichthyosis in male infants at 2 to 3 months of age.