Hereditary insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis.

Hereditary sensory neuropathy type IV is an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis and resulting in recurrent hyperpyrexia, self-mutilation, recurrent infections, chronic osteomyelitis, bone and joint deformities, and limb amputations. Described is a child with signs as well as skin and nerve biopsy results compatible with this disease, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate medical and educational care to prevent complications.