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Cited by 569melanin and skin pigmentationGenetic and rare skin diseases.Retinal Development and Disorders

Oculocutaneous albinism

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Grønskov, Karen, Ek, Jakob, Brondum-Nielsen, Karen·2007·Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases
DOI 10.1186/1750-1172-2-43PMC PMC2211462
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Abstract

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of inherited disorders of melanin biosynthesis characterized by a generalized reduction in pigmentation of hair, skin and eyes. The prevalence of all forms of albinism varies considerably worldwide and has been estimated at approximately 1/17,000, suggesting that about 1 in 70 people carry a gene for OCA. The clinical spectrum of OCA ranges, with OCA1A being the most severe type with a complete lack of melanin production throughout life, while the milder forms OCA1B, OCA2, OCA3 and OCA4 show some pigment accumulation over time. Clinical manifestations include various degrees of congenital nystagmus, iris hypopigmentation and translucency, reduced pigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium, foveal hypoplasia, reduced visual acuity usually (20/60 to 20/400) and refractive errors, color vision impairment and prominent photophobia. Misrouting of the optic nerves is a characteristic finding, resulting in strabismus and reduced stereoscopic vision. The degree of skin and hair hypopigmentation varies with the type of OCA. The incidence of skin cancer may be increased. All four types of OCA are inherited as autosomal recessive disorders. At least four genes are responsible for the different types of the disease (TYR, OCA2, TYRP1 and MATP). Diagnosis is based on clinical findings of hypopigmentation of the skin and hair, in addition to the characteristic ocular symptoms. Due to the clinical overlap between the OCA forms, molecular diagnosis is necessary to establish the gene defect and OCA subtype. Molecular genetic testing of TYR and OCA2 is available on a clinical basis, while, at present, analysis of TYRP1 and MATP is on research basis only. Differential diagnosis includes ocular albinism, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, Griscelli syndrome, and Waardenburg syndrome type II. Carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis are possible when the disease causing mutations have been identified in the family. Glasses (possibly bifocals) and dark glasses or photocromic lenses may offer sufficient help for reduced visual activity and photophobia. Correction of strabismus and nystagmus is necessary and sunscreens are recommended. Regular skin checks for early detection of skin cancer should be offered. Persons with OCA have normal lifespan, development, intelligence and fertility.

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Grønskov, K., Ek, J., & Brondum-Nielsen, K.
Affiliations
Kennedy Center (DK)
ORCID
Grønskov, Karen
Venue
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2007-11-02
Volume
2
Issue
1
Pages
43-43
ISSN
1750-1172 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1186/1750-1172-2-43
PMC
PMC2211462
OpenAlex
W3192983025
Cited by
569
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 36 · 2025: 41 · 2024: 49 · 2023: 38 · 2022: 41 · 2021: 36 · 2020: 51 · 2019: 30 · 2018: 33 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 26 · 2015: 29 · 2014: 24 · 2013: 41 · 2012: 18
FWCI
0.77
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › melanin and skin pigmentation
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic and rare skin diseases.
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Retinal Development and Disorders
Keywords
oculocutaneous albinism, autosomal recessive inheritance, TYR gene, OCA2 gene, TRP-1, MatP, congenital nystagmus, foveal hypoplasia, strabismus, skin cancer risk, carrier detection, prenatal diagnosis, molecular genetic diagnosis, differential diagnosis, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, Griscelli syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome type II, photophobia
MeSH terms
Diagnosis, Differential, Humans, Prevalence, Albinism, Oculocutaneous

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