Stüve–Wiedemann syndrome: recurrent neonatal infections caused by impairment of JAK/STAT 3 pathway

Stüve-Wiedemann syndrome (OMIM #601559) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by skeletal dysplasia, consecutive infections, feeding difficulties and autonomic dysregulation. We present an Afro-Caribbean family with two siblings diagnosed with Stüve-Wiedemann syndrome. The underlying loss-of-function mutation in the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor gene is thought to impair proper functioning of the JAK/STAT 3 pathway. As this affects normal functioning of T-helper cells, these patients are prone to infections with uncommon pathogens as illustrated by this case.