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Krabbe Disease
Alternate Names : Galactosylcereamidase Deficiency, Galactosylcerebrosidase Deficiency, Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Definition Krabbe disease is an inherited disorder characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme galactocerebroside beta-galactosidase (galactosylcereamidase). It results in destruction of myelin, a fatty material that surrounds and insulates many of the nerves.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Krabbe disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. It is most common among people of Scandinavian descent, but it generally affects about 1 in 150,000 infants. Absence of the enzyme galactocerebroside beta-galactosidase causes increasing destruction of myelin. This results in progressive destruction of the nervous system.
Krabbe disease has an early onset form and a late onset form. In the early form, symptoms begin in the first months of life with feeding problems and failure to thrive, unexplained fevers, and vomiting.
Changes in muscle tone are frequent. Seizures may begin very early and are severe. Visual and hearing losses are progressive. Affected children eventually assume an unusual, rigid body position called decerebrate posturing. Death follows shortly thereafter, usually before the second year of life.
The late onset form of the disease begins in late childhood or early adolescence. Visual problems progressing to blindness may be the first symptom. Gait disturbance (ataxia) and muscle rigidity lead to progressive disability.
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• Definition
• Krabbe Disease Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Krabbe Disease Symptoms & Signs
• Krabbe Disease Prevention
• Krabbe Disease Diagnosis & Tests
• Krabbe Disease Treatment
• Krabbe Disease Prognosis
• Krabbe Disease Complications
• Krabbe Disease Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Failure to Thrive
Tests & Exams
• CSF Total Protein
• CT Scan
• MRI of the Head
• Nerve Conduction Velocity
Other Topics
• Abnormal Posturing
• Amniotic Fluid
• Autosomal Recessive
• Blindness
• Central Nervous System
• Consciousness - Decreased
• Enzyme
• Genetic Counseling and Prenatal Diagnosis
• Hearing Loss
• Movement - Uncoordinated
• Muscle Cramps
• Myelin
• Opisthotonos
• Retina
• Seizures
• Vision Problems
Review Date : 8/6/2003
Reviewed By : Douglas R. Stewart, M.D., Division of Medical Genetics, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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