Health and Fitness

Trichothiodystrophy Overview Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a rare inherited, genetic disease characterized by a broad spectrum of abnormalities. Patients with different symptoms are linked together by the common feature of short, dry, brittle, sulfur-deficient hair which has a characteristic “tiger tail” pattern (alternating light and dark bands) under polarizing microscopy. The signs and symptoms vary widely between patients. Typically, patients are born preterm and with low birth weight. Maternal pregnancy complications are common. Infants may be born with a shiny parchment-like covering on the skin that peels off over several days to weeks (collodion membrane). Through childhood they may have developmental delay or intellectual disability, short stature with poor weight gain, dry, scaly skin (ichthyosis), eye abnormalities (the most common being congenital cataracts), recurrent infections and bone abnormalities. Nearly half (42%) of patients with TTD have extreme sensitivity to ultra...

Distal arthrogryposis Type 1 Overview Distal arthrogryposis type 1 is a rare genetic condition that causes non-progressive joint contractures (stiffness and deformities) primarily restricting movement in the hands and feet. It typically does not affect intelligence or involve internal organs. Symptoms Hand and Finger Symptoms Camptodactyly : Permanently bent or flexed fingers that cannot straighten completely. Overlapping fingers: Fingers that cross over one another when the hands are at rest. Ulnar deviation: A hand deformity where the fingers angle outward toward the pinky (fifth) finger. Clasped thumbs: Thumbs pulled tightly across the palm. Foot and Toe Symptoms Clubfoot: Feet that turn inward and upward (talipes equinovarus). Bent toes: Permanently flexed or overlapping toes similar to the finger deformities. General Characteristics Localized impact: Contractures are mostly limited to the distal limbs (hands, wrists, feet). Normal intelligence: Cognitive development and intell...

Beta-ketothiolase deficiency Overview Beta-ketothiolase deficiency is a rare inherited metabolic disorder that stops the body from properly processing the amino acid isoleucine and ketone bodies. Caused by mutations in the ACAT1 gene, it leads to harmful ketoacidotic crises triggered by fasting or common infections Symptoms Signs of a Metabolic Crises Children with this condition are typically healthy between episodes, but attacks can be triggered by infections, fasting, or high-protein meals. Common signs include: Severe vomiting and poor appetitee Extreme lack of energy or sleepiness (lethargy)Trouble breathing or fast breathing (tachypnea)Dehydration Unusual fruity or sweet-smelling breath/urine Seizures or convulsionss Loss of consciousness or coma in severe cases Long-Term Effects Most children recover quickly if treated during an attack.Repeated or severe untreated crises can lead to developmental delays or intellectual disability.Symptoms often become less frequent or severe as ...

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) What Is Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome? Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a condition that makes your body produce too many immune cells. You’ll have far more lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) than you need. These extra cells also won’t break down when they should. Normally, your body uses lymphocytes to protect you and keep you healthy. When your immune system detects dangerous cells, it creates and sends lymphocytes to attack them. But if you have ALPS, your body can’t keep track of making the right amount. It will constantly make too many. Without targets to attack, the extra lymphocytes damage your body instead of protecting it. Having ALPS can lead to damage in organs and cells throughout your body, including your: Lymph nodes Spleen Blood cells Kidneys Liver Nerves Blood vessels Eyes Symptoms Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome symptoms ALPS symptoms vary. Which ones you have will depend on where t...

Alpha-Mannosidosis Overview Alpha-mannosidosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-D-mannosidase. Alpha-mannosidosis is best thought of as a continuum of disease that is generally broken down into three forms: a mild, slowly progressive form (type 1); a moderate form (type 2); and a severe, often rapidly progressive and potentially life-threatening form (type 3). The symptoms and severity of the disorder are highly variable. Symptoms may include distinctive facial features, skeletal abnormalities, hearing loss, intellectual disability and dysfunction of the immune system. Alpha-mannosidosis is caused by changes (variants or mutations) in the MAN2B1 gene. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Alpha-mannosidosis belongs to a group of diseases known as the lysosomal storage disorders. Lysosomes are particles bound in membranes within cells that function as the primary digestive units. Enzymes within the lysosomes break down...

Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome Overview Alpers disease is a rare mitochondrial disease that affects your brain, liver and muscles. Alpers disease leads to: Dementia. Liver failure. Seizures. You can show symptoms of Alpers disease anytime between ages 1 month and 36 years. But symptoms usually start in early childhood, most commonly between ages 2 and 4. Others may develop the disease later, usually between ages 17 and 24. This condition is most often fatal. Defects in a gene cause Alpers disease, an inherited disorder passed down through families. You have Alpers disease from birth, but people usually don’t notice symptoms for weeks or years. Other names for Alpers disease include: Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome. Alpers syndrome. Diffuse cerebral degeneration in infancy. Progressive cerebral poliodystrophy. Progressive infantile poliodystrophy. Symptoms Seizures (refractory epilepsy) are usually the first symptom to appear. The other main symptoms are: Liver disease. Slowing down of think...

Allergic Asthma Overview What is allergic asthma? Allergic or allergy-induced asthma is a condition where your airways tighten when you breathe in an allergen. Most often, these allergens are in the air — like dust mites, pollen, animal dander or mold spores. When you have allergies, your body creates a response to something it thinks is a threat — the allergen. Your immune system fires up all of its defenses to try and fight off this danger. Your immune system releases various chemicals that cause inflammation, or swelling, and squeezing of your airways upon exposure to an allergen Symptoms What are the symptoms of allergic asthma? If you have allergic asthma, you may have many of the same symptoms you’d experience with other types of asthma. These symptoms can include: Feeling short of breath. Coughing frequently, especially at night. Wheezing (a whistling noise during breathing). Experiencing chest tightness (feeling like something is pressing on your chest). Allergen exposure can a...