Health and Fitness

Branchio Oculo Facial Syndrome Overview Branchio-oculo-facial syndrome (BOFS) is a rare genetic disorder with defects of the head and neck that are apparent at birth (congenital) and usually diagnosed in childhood. As of 2018, fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the medical literature, although additional patients are probably followed world-wide. The diagnosis of BOFS is based on recognition of the distinctive craniofacial features. “B” refers to branchial skin defects, although a more accurate term is pharyngeal. “O” refers to various ocular (eye) anomalies. “F” refers to the various facial differences including cleft lip/palate, unusual nose, malformed nose and small teeth. Problems outside of the head and neck region include kidney defects and congenital heart defect. Additional features include low birth weight, growth delay, learning challenges, intellectual disability and mental health issues. However, detailed studies of the neuropsychologic issues have not been performe...

 Glycoprotein VI deficiency Overview Glycoprotein VI deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder caused by a lack or dysfunction of glycoprotein VI (GPVI), a protein on the surface of blood platelets that helps them bind to collagen and form blood clots. Symptoms • variable Bleeding Tendencies: Many individuals are historically asymptomatic (often discovered through blood donation screening like anti-Naka alloimmunization in East Asian populations), while others experience a mild-to-moderate mucocutaneous bleeding diathesis (such as easy bruising or bleeding from mucous membranes). • Thrombocytopenia: Low-to-normal or reduced platelet counts (around 45 × 10⁹/L in some classic reports). • Giant Platelets: An increased or large mean platelet volume (approx. 15.5 fL). • Prolonged Bleeding Time: B leeding times can be extended (ranging from 15 to over 30 minutes). • Isoantibody Risks (Type I): Individuals with Type I complete deficiency can develop anti-GPIV isoantibodies during pregnanc...

Primary Familial Brain Calcification Overview Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal calcium/hydroxyapatite deposits (calcifications) in the brain. The clinical presentations generally attributed to these brain calcifications are highly heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic patients to severe cases with progressive neuropsychiatric features. To date, disease-causing changes (pathogenic variants or mutations) in six genes have been associated with PFBC: SLC20A2, PDGFB, PDGFRB, XPR1, MYORG and JAM-2. PFBC has recently become the preferred name for this condition because variants in specific genes are now known to be the cause of the condition. Previously, familial idiopathic basal ganglia calcification was the preferred name, and Fahr’s disease is often used for either familial or sporadic brain calcification, and it is unknown if these are the same or different diseases. Symptoms PFBC is characterized...

Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency (HLCSD) Overview Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency (HLCSD) is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder in which the body cannot use vitamin B7 (biotin) effectively, leading to a condition known as multiple carboxylase deficiency. Classified as a multiple carboxylase deficiency, the condition impairs the activity of biotin-dependent enzymes (carboxylases) needed to process proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Symptoms Symptoms typically begin in infancy—often within the first few weeks or months of life—though onset can occasionally vary. • Feeding & Digestive Issues: Difficulty feeding, poor appetite, vomiting (emesis), and food refusal. • Skin & Hair Changes: Distinctive skin rashes (dermatitis/peeling rash) and hair loss (alopecia). • Neurological & Muscular Signs: Lethargy or extreme tiredness, low muscle tone (hypotonia), irritability, developmental delay, and seizures (convulsions). • Respiratory Problems: Rapid breathing (tachypn...

Burn-McKeown syndrome Overview Burn-McKeown syndrome is a rare, congenital genetic disorder characterized by nasal passage blockages, distinctive facial features, hearing loss, and heart or growth abnormalities, while generally leaving intelligence unaffected Symptoms • Nasal Passage Abnormalities: • Bilateral choanal stenosis (narrowing) or bilateral choanal atresia (complete blockage of the nasal passages), which can lead to life-threatening breathing and respiratory distress issues in newborns if not surgically repaired. • Craniofacial (Facial) Features: • Short palpebral fissures: Narrow openings of the eyelids, sometimes accompanied by downslanting. • Coloboma: A gap or defect in the lower eyelids, often with eyelashes present medial to the defect. • Hypertelorism: Widely spaced eyes. • Prominent nasal bridge: A high or prominent bridge of the nose. • Philtrum abnormalities: A short space between the nose and the upper lip. • Mouth and lips: A small opening of the mou...

Tetrahydrobiopterin Deficiency Overview Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiencies is a general term for a group of disorders characterized by abnormalities in the creation (biosynthesis) or regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin, a naturally occurring compound that acts as a cofactor. A cofactor is a non-protein substance in the body that enhances or is necessary for the proper function of certain enzymes. When tetrahydrobiopterin is deficient, the chemical balance within the body is upset. In most of these disorders, there are abnormally high levels of the amino acid phenylalanine (hyperphenylalaninemia). Amino acids such as phenylalanine are chemical building blocks of proteins and are essential for proper growth and development. Most of these disorders also cause abnormally low levels of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that modify, amplify or transmit nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another, enabling nerve cells to communicate. These chemical imbalances can ultima...