Thermoregulation in ectodermal dysplasia: a case series

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a rare genetic disorder occurring as a consequence of gene mutations that code for the ectoderm of the developing embryo and results in numerous disorders of varying severity. The lack of functioning sweat glands in those affected with ED leads to high infant mortality and frequent complaints of hyperthermia. Temperature control of two adolescents affected with ED was assessed by conducting heat and exercise exposures while monitoring insulated auditory canal (T_ac) and skin temperatures, sweating rates, and skin blood flow. One participant was able to sweat and regulate his T_ac while a second participant could not regulate T_ac without a cooling intervention. The heterogeneous nature of ED, and these cases highlight the need for a case-by-case review of temperature control of individuals affected with ED. This will determine cooling strategies that would be of most benefit to the individual.