Health and Fitness

Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome (abetalipoproteinemia)  Overview Abetalipoproteinemia is a rare inherited disorder affecting fat absorption by the intestine and mobilization by the liver. Inability to absorb fat results in deficiencies of lipids and various essential vitamins. Affected individuals experience progressive neurological deterioration, muscle weakness, difficulty walking and blood abnormalities including a condition in which the red blood cells are malformed (acanthocytosis) resulting in low levels of circulating red blood cells (anemia). Affected individuals may also develop degeneration of the retina of the eyes potentially resulting in loss of vision, a condition known as retinitis pigmentosa. Abetalipoproteinemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern and is caused by changes (mutations or variants) in the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) gene. Abetalipoproteinemia was first reported in the medical literature by doctors Bassen and Kornzweig in 1950 ...

Bart syndrome Overview Bart syndrome is a rare genetic disorder (a form of aplasia cutis congenita type VI) present at birth, characterized by the triad of localized absence of skin (often on lower extremities), skin blistering (epidermolysis bullosa), and nail dystrophy. It is typically managed conservatively with wound care to prevent infection, often showing good prognosis. Symptoms Cardiomyopathy: Often presents as enlarged/weakened heart muscle (dilated) or left ventricular noncompaction, usually appearing before age 5 and leading to significant heart failure risks. Neutropenia: Chronic or cyclical low levels of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), leading to frequent infections, mouth ulcers, and sepsis. Skeletal Myopathy: Significant muscle weakness, particularly in the proximal muscles, resulting in reduced muscle tone (hypotonia) and fatigue. Growth Delay : Prepubertal growth retardation and a distinct, thinner physical build. Metabolic Abnormalities: Increased urinary...

Bart-Pumphrey syndrome  Overview Bart-Pumphrey syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by the triad of knuckle pads, leukonychia (white nails), and sensorineural hearing loss, often accompanied by palmoplantar keratoderma (thickened skin on palms/soles). Caused by mutations in the GJB2 gene, it primarily affects skin and hearing from childhood. Symptoms Knuckle Pads: Wart-like, hyperkeratotic (thickened) plaques over the interphalangeal joints of the fingers and toes. These are often the most common finding.  Hearing Loss: Sensorineural hearing loss is nearly always present and ranges from moderate to profound, generally occurring from birth. Leukonychia : White discoloration of the nails, which may be total (whole nail) or partial, sometimes accompanied by brittle or thickened nails. Palmoplantar Keratoderma: Diffuse thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Causes Gene Mutation: Mutations in GJB2 (gap junction bet...

Yorifuji-Okuno syndrome Overview Yorifuji-Okuno syndrome (pancreatic hypoplasia-diabetes-congenital heart disease syndrome) is an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by the triad of underdeveloped pancreas (pancreatic hypoplasia), neonatal/early-onset diabetes mellitus, and congenital heart defects. It is an autosomal dominant condition linked to GATA6 gene mutations, often causing severe, life-limiting health issues from infancy, though some cases may have varied severity. Symptoms Neonatal/Early-Onset Diabetes: Severe hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus resulting from a lack of insulins. Pancreatic Hypoplasia/Agenesis: Underdevelopment or absence of the pancreas, leading to endocrine (insulin) and sometimes exocrine (digestive enzyme) insufficiency. Congenital Heart Defects: Common defects include ventricular or atrial septal defects, transposition of the great vessels, patent ductus arteriosus, and pulmonary stenosis. Other Potential Anomalies: Cases may include intraut...

Y-linked inheritance Overview Y-linked inheritance, or holandric inheritance, refers to the transmission of genes located exclusively on the Y chromosome. Because only males (XY) possess a Y chromosome, Y-linked traits are passed directly from father to son and cannot be inherited by females. This means all sons of an affected father will display the trait. Symptoms Y Chromosome Infertility: The most common symptom, often characterized by low sperm count (oligospermia) or no sperm production (azoospermia). Hypertrichosis of the Ears: Marked by the growth of long, dark hair on the outer rim of the ear. Webbed Toes: A condition where a web-like connection exists between the second and third toes. Porcupine Man: A rare condition characterized by skin that becomes dark, scaly, rough, and thick with bristle-like outgrowths. 47,XYY Syndrome: A chromosomal condition that can cause increased growth velocity, taller stature, delayed speech/language skills, and sometimes learning disabiliti...

BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome (BAP1-TPDS) Overview BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome, also known as BAP1-TPDS or COMMON syndrome, is an inherited genetic disorder that may increase the risk of certain types of tumors, both cancerous and noncancerous. Symptoms Because BAP1-TPDS is hereditary and may be silent for a while, you may not experience symptoms or feel any differently. However, uveal melanoma, which is the most common cancer associated with BAP1-TPDS, may cause the following symptoms: Floaters or dark spots in the eye Blurred vision Headaches Unexpected flashes of light in the field of vision Other cancers associated with BAP1-TPDS include cutaneous melanoma, mesothelioma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma.   Cutaneous melanoma symptoms may include: Mole or spot on the skin that changes in shape, texture, color or size Bleeding, redness, swelling or a lump appearing in a mole Skin itching, pain or discomfort Skin sores that don’t seem to heal over time Mesothelioma a...