Nader Lessan, Maryam Ghodsi, Sadaf Farooqi, Bagher Larijani,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (17 2007)
Abstract
It is estimated that up to 40-70% of obesities is attributable to genetic factors. Monogenic forms of obesity are uncommon. We present the first such reported case in Iran. The patient presented with a history of severe hyperphagia, rapid weight gain and recurrent infections. He was born after a normal pregnancy in a highly consanguineous marriage. His birth weight had been normal. At age of 18 months he weighted 28 kg. Apart from obesity and syndactyly of second/third digits in both feet there were no other abnormalities on physical examination. His fasting serum leptin was 45 ng/ml. Genotyping revealed 66-bp deletion in codon 514 of leptin receptor gene.
Unfortunately he developed another respiratory infection which was unresponsive to intensive treatment and died following a cardiorespiratory arrest. Genetic assessment is recommended in morbid obese patients especially those with a childhood onset. Leptin receptor mutations can be associated with immune system deficiency and recurrent infections.
