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A form of progressive mucocutaneous pigmentation
caused by singly dispersed melanosomes within keratinocytes.
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Universal Acquired Melanosis; Progressive Black Carbon
Hyperpigmentation of Infancy.
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Two case reports. Inheritance
pattern is undetermined.
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Diffuse and progressive hyperpigmentation that
becomes generalized is present from early infancy on. Facial features
include sparse scalp hair with decreased pigmentation, broad cheeks, long
and bulbous nose, anomalies of the external female genitalia, and mental
retardation. Histologic examination of the skin reveals a so-called “negroid
pattern" in the epidermal melanosomes.
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Mental retardation may result in
increased anxiety and limited cooperation. Sedative and anxiolytic
premedication and the presence of the primary caregiver during induction of anesthesia may
be helpful. No other specific anesthetic considerations. Rule out other
(more common) diseases that may cause abnormal pigmentation. In the neonate,
diffuse discoloration may be caused by adrenal insufficiency and should be
excluded prior to surgery or anesthesia. A transient gray-brown color can be
seen following phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia.
Ruiz-Maldonado R, Tamayo L, Fernandez-Diez J: Universal acquired
melanosis. The carbon baby.
Arch Dermatol 114:775, 1978.
[PubMed: 646402]