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Krabbe disease

Globoid cell leukodystrophy; Galactosylcerebrosidase deficiency; Galactosylceramidase deficiency

 

Krabbe disease is a rare genetic disorder of the nervous system. It is a type of brain disease called leukodystrophy.

Causes

 

A defect in the GALC gene causes Krabbe disease. People with this gene defect do not make enough of a substance called galactocerebroside beta-galactosidase (galactosylceramidase).

The body needs this substance to make myelin, the material that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. Without it, myelin breaks down, brain cells die, and nerves in the brain and other body areas do not work properly.

Krabbe disease can develop at various ages:

  • Early-onset Krabbe disease appears in the first months of life. Most children with this form of the disease die before they reach age 2.
  • Late-onset Krabbe disease begins in late childhood or early adolescence.

Krabbe disease is inherited, which means it is passed down through families. If both parents carry the nonworking copy of the gene related to this condition, each of their children has a 25% (1 in 4) chance of developing the disease. (See: Autosomal recessive pattern )

This condition is very rare. It is most common among people of Scandinavian descent.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of early-onset Krabbe disease are:

  • Changing muscle tone from floppy to rigid
  • Hearing loss that leads to deafness
  • Failure to thrive
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Irritability and sensitivity to loud sounds
  • Severe seizures (may begin at a very early age)
  • Unexplained fevers
  • Vision loss that leads to blindness
  • Vomiting

Symptoms of late-onset Krabbe disease:

Vision problems may appear first, followed by walking difficulties and rigid muscles. Symptoms vary from person to person. Other symptoms may also occur.

 

Exams and Tests

 

An exam of the retina in the eye may show damage to the optic nerve. There may be signs or deafness and abnormal posturing (rigid body movements and holding one's body in abnormal positions) in the late stages of the disorder.

Tests that may be done include:

  • Blood test to look for galactosylceramidase levels in white blood cells
  • CSF total protein - tests the amount of protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
  • Genetic testing
  • MRI of the head
  • Nerve conduction velocity
  • Testing for the GALC gene defect

 

Treatment

 

There is no specific treatment for Krabbe disease.

Some people have had a bone marrow transplant in the early stages of the disease, but this treatment has risks.

 

Support Groups

 

United Leukodystrophy Foundation -- www.ulf.org

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The outcome is likely to be poor. On average, infants with early-onset Krabbe disease die before age 2. People who develop the disease at a later age have survived into adulthood with nervous system disease.

 

Possible Complications

 

This disease damages the central nervous system . It can cause:

  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Severe problems with muscle tone

The disease is usually life-threatening.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if your child develops symptoms of this disorder. Seizures, loss of consciousness , or abnormal posturing may be emergency symptoms.

 

Prevention

 

Genetic counseling is recommended for people with a family history of Krabbe disease who are considering having children.

A blood test can be done to see if you carry the gene for Krabbe disease.

Prenatal tests (amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) can be done to screen a developing baby for this condition.

 

 

References

Kwon JK. Neurodegenerative disorders of childhood. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 592.

Vanier MT, Caillaud C. Disorders of sphingolipid metabolism and neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses. In: Saudubray JM, van den Berghe G, Walter JH, eds. Inborn Metabolic Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment . 5th ed. New York, NY: Springer; 2012:chap 39.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

              Tests for Krabbe disease

               

                 

                Review Date: 4/20/2015

                Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Winston-Salem, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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