by Michelle Badash, MS
Menkes syndrome is an inherited genetic disorder due to an abnormal gene, ATP7A. Menkes syndrome causes impaired copper absorption. This results in arterial changes and deterioration of the brain.
Menkes syndrome is rare. It occurs in 1 out of every 50,000-100,000 births. It affects primarily males. Most children born with Menkes syndrome have a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years.
Copper proteins are necessary for the body to build bone, nerves, and other tissue. Babies with Menkes syndrome have a genetic disorder that causes copper to build up in excess amounts in the kidney, while remaining deficient in the liver and brain. This causes changes in the hair, brain, bones, liver, and arteries.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for Menkes syndrome include:
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Sex: male
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Family members with Menkes syndrome
Children with Menkes are often born prematurely. Symptoms usually begin to show within three months after birth and may include:
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Babies with Menkes syndrome often exhibit the following physical characteristics:
Hair that is stubby, tangled, sparse, lacking in color, and easily broken
Chubby cheeks
Flattened bridge of the nose
Face lacking in expression
Diagnosis
The following tests may be done to diagnose Menkes syndrome:
X-ray of the skull and skeleton to look for abnormalities in bone formation
Blood tests to measure copper levels
Treatment
There is no cure for Menkes syndrome. Early treatment with intravenous copper acetate, oral copper supplements, or injections of copper histidinate may provide temporary benefit. Other treatments may be used to relieve symptoms.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent Menkes syndrome. If you have a family history of the disorder, you can talk to a genetic counselor when deciding whether to have children.
RESOURCES:
MenkesSyndrome.com
http://www.menkessyndrome.com
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
Office of Rare Diseases
http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders
http://www.cord.ca/
References:
Harrisons Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1998
Textbook of Child Neurology . 4th ed. Lea & Febiger; 1990.
Last reviewed October 2007 by Mark A. Best, MD, MPH, MBA, FCAP, FASCP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
