An analysis of preterm birth rates among 500 kindreds with epidermal differentiation disorders

Epidermal differentiation disorders (EDDs) are a group of genetic skin diseases frequently associated with preterm birth, although this connection has not been comprehensively evaluated across all known genotypes. In this study, we analysed 567 kindreds from the National Registry for Ichthyosis to assess preterm birth rates across 54 genetic causes of EDDs. Our findings suggest genotype-specific risks for preterm birth, possibly mediated by biological pathways including arachidonic acid metabolism and steroid sulfatase activity.