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Research Article | Volume 19 Issue 2 (April-June, 2026) | Pages 132 - 145
Congenital Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa: Multisystemic Complications in a Pediatric Patient
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1
School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain), P.O. Box 15503, Building No. 2441, Road 2835, Busaiteen, Kingdom of Bahrain.
2
School of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology (JUST), P.O. Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
3
Department of Ophthalmology, Military Hospital, Royal Medical Services, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Under a Creative Commons license
Open Access
Received
May 13, 2026
Revised
May 20, 2026
Accepted
May 22, 2026
Published
May 29, 2026
Abstract

Background: Congenital junctional epidermolysis bullosa (CJEB) is a rare inherited blistering disorder caused by defects in dermal–epidermal adhesion, resulting in marked skin and mucosal fragility. Although primarily considered a cutaneous disease, CJEB may also cause significant extracutaneous morbidity requiring multidisciplinary care.

Case Presentation: We report a 14-year-old Bahraini male with CJEB and progressive multisystem involvement. Cutaneous manifestations began in early infancy with recurrent rash, nail dystrophy, and secondary infection. Over time, he developed severe airway disease with laryngeal stenosis requiring emergency tracheostomy and subsequent airway interventions. He also experienced progressive cicatrizing ocular surface disease with recurrent symblepharon, conjunctival fibrovascular overgrowth, corneal scarring, and eventual corneal melt requiring multiple reconstructive ophthalmic procedures. In late childhood, genitourinary involvement emerged with penile inflammation, meatal narrowing, urinary retention, and recurrent urethral stricture requiring repeated dilatations and meatotomy.

Management and Outcome: Management was supportive and multidisciplinary, involving dermatology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, and urology. Interventions included tracheostomy care, laryngeal surgery, repeated ocular surface reconstruction with amniotic membrane transplantation and mitomycin C, catheterization, urethral dilatation, meatotomy, infection treatment, wound care, and long-term surveillance.

Conclusion: This case highlights the severe multisystem burden of CJEB and emphasizes that it is not solely a skin disorder. Early recognition of extracutaneous complications, close follow-up, and coordinated multidisciplinary management are essential to reduce morbidity and preserve function and quality of life.

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