Health and Fitness

Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) Overview Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genetic disorder that causes hypersensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. Symptoms usually affect the parts of your body that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as your face, arms and lips. People with XP usually start showing symptoms in early childhood. They may get blistering sunburns after even just a few minutes in the sun. How does xeroderma pigmentosum affect my body? People with XP develop sunburns easily and have a higher risk of skin cancer. Compared to those with average risk, people with XP have: 10,000 times higher risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. 2,000 times higher risk of developing melanoma. Some reports have also found that people with XP are more likely to develop cancers such as: Astrocytoma. Breast cancer. Glioblastoma. Kidney cancer. Leukemia. Lung cancer. Pancreatic cancer. Stomach cancer. Testicular cancer. Thyroid cancer...

Bosma Arhinia Microphthalmia Syndrome Overview Bosma arhinia microphthalmia (BAM) syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder defined by three major features: 1) complete absence of the nose (arhinia) 2) eye abnormalities and 3) lack of typical sexual development during puberty (absent sexual maturation).   The specific symptoms and severity of the disorder can vary from one person to another. For example, eye problems can range from absent tear ducts (the small tubes that carry tears from the eyes to the nose) to very small eyes and/or blindness.   In males, BAM syndrome may cause underdeveloped genitalia at birth, including a small penis and/or testes that do not descend properly into the scrotum. In females, reproductive differences are usually not noticeable until adolescence when she does not develop breasts or have menstrual periods.   The only known genetic cause of BAM syndrome is a change (variant) in the SMCHD1 gene. In most cases, this genetic...

X-linked spastic paraplegia (XLSP) Overview X-linked spastic paraplegia (XLSP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness (spasticity) and weakness, primarily affecting the legs. Often inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, it typically impacts males, resulting in a "pure" (lower limb only) or "complicated" form (including cognitive impairment, ataxia, or neuropathy). Symptoms  Progressive Spasticity: Increased muscle tone causing extreme stiffness in the lower limbs, often resulting in a stiff, jerky gait. Weakness & Walking Difficulties: Gradual weakness makes climbing stairs, walking, or standing difficult, often leading to using walking aids. Spastic Paraplegia Type 2 (SPG2): In addition to leg symptoms, this form can include involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), ataxia (lack of coordination), and mental decline. Spastic Paraplegia Type 16 (SPG16): Often involves delayed motor development, inability to walk, and speech di...

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) Overview Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), also known as NF2-related schwannomatosis, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by noncancerous (benign) tumors, particularly bilateral vestibular schwannomas affecting hearing and balance. Caused by a mutation in the NF2 gene on chromosome 22, it leads to tumors on cranial/spinal nerves (meningiomas, ependymomas). Symptoms typically appear in adolescence or early adulthood, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues Symptoms Primary Symptoms (Vestibular Schwannomas) Hearing loss: Usually affects both ears and is often the first sign, starting early in life. Tinnitus: A persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Balance problems: Vertigo and instability, causing difficulty with balance or walking.  Other Neurological and Physical Symptoms Facial weakness/numbness: Caused by tumors pressing on facial nerves. Headaches: Frequent headaches. Muscle weakness/numbness: Weakness or numbness in...

Sarcopenia overview Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength and physical performance that happens with age. It affects your musculoskeletal system and can make everyday tasks — like climbing stairs or getting out of a chair — harder over time. As your muscles weaken, your risk of falls, fractures and loss of independence goes up. The definition of sarcopenia (pronounced “sar-ko-PEE-nee-uh”) focuses on how muscle loss affects your strength and ability to function. Experts generally define it using one or more key features: Low muscle mass Low muscle strength Low physical performance In some cases, sarcopenia occurs along with a higher body mass index (BMI). This combination, called sarcopenic obesity, can raise your risk of complications more than obesity or sarcopenia alone. In 2016, sarcopenia was recognized as a specific disease with an ICD-10-CM code. This step helped distinguish sarcopenia from other conditions that cause muscle loss and made it a reportable diagnos...

X-linked Retinoschisis (XLRS)   overview X-linked Retinoschisis (XLRS) is a rare inherited genetic disease caused by RS1 gene mutations, predominantly affecting males and leading to early-onset vision loss due to splitting (schisis) in the retinal layers. It causes characteristic "spoke-wheel" macular cysts, typically presenting within the first decade of life with poor central vision, though peripheral vision can also be affected. Symptoms Reduced Visual Acuity: The primary symptom is a decline in central vision. "Uncorrectable" Vision: The vision loss cannot be corrected with eyeglasses. Macular Schisis: Almost all patients have a characteristic spoke-wheel pattern of cystic lesions in the macula (center of the retina). Peripheral Retinal Changes: About 50% of cases also experience peripheral vision loss, including the development of "vitreous veils". Structural Complications: Potential for retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding), whic...