Author/Editor     Fister, Petja; Rakuš, Jona; Rener-Primec, Zvonka; Gnidovec-Stražišar, Barbara
Title     Menkes kinky hair disease (Menkes syndrome). A case report
Type     članek
Source     Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannon Adriat
Vol. and No.     Letnik 15, št. 3
Publication year     2006
Volume     str. 126-30
Language     eng
Abstract     Menkes disease (MD) is a rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder. It is caused by a mutation in the ATP7A gene, which codes for the copper-transporting ATPase in the cell organelles. Dysfunction of many copper-dependent enzymes results in low concentrations of copper in some tissues and accumulation of copper in others. We report on a boy that at the age of 2 months presented with encephalopathy with epileptic seizures and later had a progressive developmental disorder. Despite treatment with various antiepileptic drugs, some seizures still persisted. Our diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. We also plan to confirm the diagnosis genetically. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of MD in Slovenia. Treatment of MD is usually not successful, especially in sporadic cases, because it usually begins too late. Early neonatal treatment may be successful in half of the cases.
Descriptors     KINKY HAIR SYNDROME
INFANT