Berhampur: A baby with a rare genetic disorder called ‘Harlequin ichthyosis’ was born at MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MKCGMCH) here in Ganjam district Wednesday.
According to studies, this rare severe skin disorder occurs once in five to 10 lakh births approximately. A newborn with this rare skin disease has thick hardened, diamond shaped or triangular plates all over the body separated by deep fissures. Studies further say that the disease is caused by mutations in the ABCA 12 gene protein.
The chances of survival of these babies are slender.
The first recorded case of ‘Harlequin ichthyosis’ child birth in India was at Lata Mangeshkar Medical College and Hospital in Nagpur June 11, 2016. However, the baby passed away two days later on June 13.
The infant born at MKCGMCH left everyone including the family members and doctors stunned.
PNN