|
Menkes syndrome Causes and Risks:
Menkes syndrome is inherited as an X-linked recessive disorder. The symptom is related to deficient levels of available copper. Symptoms include progressive mental deterioration, kinked or twisted brittle hair, and skeletal changes. Death usually occurs in the first few years of life.
Prevention:
Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with a family history of Menkes syndrome.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
There is often a family history of Menkes syndrome.
Tests:
Treatment:
No truly effective treatment is available for Menkes syndrome. Injection of copper has been used with mixed results. Present therapy consists of: - copper acetate administered into a vein (intravenously)
- subcutaneous (injected under the skin) copper histidinate
Prognosis:
Menkes is a serious disorder with little effective of treatment.
Complications:
Death usually occurs in the first few years of life.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Consult with your health care provider if you have a family history of Menkes syndrome and you plan to have children. A baby with this condition will often show symptoms early in infancy.
|
