Collodion baby: Clinical spectrum and outcome in a series of 5 cases

Collodion baby is a rare congenital disorder of cornification characterized by a taut, parchment-like membrane covering the newborn’s body, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 50,000–100,000 births. Most cases follow an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This study included five patients with clinical suspicion of collodion disease who presented over a 10-month period. Clinical features, laboratory investigations, treatment, complications, and outcomes were evaluated. Baseline investigations were performed in all patients, while genetic testing was planned whenever feasible; however, financial constraints limited genetic evaluation. All patients were male and presented with features of congenital ichthyosis, frequently accompanied by complications requiring hospital management. Patients presenting during the neonatal period had higher mortality, with sepsis being the predominant cause of death. Early clinical recognition and multidisciplinary involvement facilitated diagnosis and guided appropriate supportive management. Prompt recognition and management of complications are essential for improving outcomes in patients with collodion baby.