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Ataxia - telangiectasia

Louis-Bar syndrome

 

Ataxia-telangiectasia is a rare childhood disease. It affects the brain and other parts of the body.

Ataxia refers to uncoordinated movements, such as walking. Telangiectasias are enlarged blood vessels (capillaries) just below the surface of the skin. Telangiectasias appear as tiny, red, spider-like veins.

Causes

 

Ataxia-telangiectasia is inherited. This means it is passed down through families. It is an autosomal recessive trait. Both parents must provide a copy of a nonworking gene for the child to have symptoms of the disorder.

The disease results from defects in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene. Defects in this gene can lead to abnormal cell death around the body, including the part of the brain that helps coordinate movement.

Boys and girls are equally affected.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms include:

  • Decreased coordination of movements (ataxia) in late childhood that can include ataxic gait (cerebellar ataxia ), jerky gait, unsteadiness
  • Decreasing mental development, slows or stops after age 10 to 12
  • Delayed walking
  • Discoloration of skin areas exposed to sunlight
  • Discoloration of skin (coffee-with-milk-colored spots)
  • Enlarged blood vessels in skin of nose, ears, and inside of the elbow and knee
  • Enlarged blood vessels in the whites of the eyes
  • Jerky or abnormal eye movements ( nystagmus ) late in the disease
  • Premature graying of the hair
  • Seizures
  • Sensitivity to radiation, including x-rays
  • Severe respiratory infections that keep coming back (recurring)

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. The exam may show signs of the following:

  • Tonsils, lymph nodes, and spleen below normal size
  • Decreased to absent deep tendon reflexes
  • Delayed or absent physical and sexual development
  • Growth failure
  • Mask-like face
  • Multiple skin coloring and texture changes

Possible tests include:

  • Alpha fetoprotein
  • B and T cell screen
  • Carcinoembryonic antigen
  • Genetic testing to look for mutations in the ATM gene
  • Glucose tolerance test
  • Serum immunoglobulin levels (IgE, IgA)
  • X-rays to look at the size of the thymus gland

 

Treatment

 

There is no specific treatment for ataxia-telangiectasia. Treatment is directed at specific symptoms.

 

Support Groups

 

Ataxia Telangiectasia Children's Project: www.atcp.org

National Ataxia Foundation (NAF): www.ataxia.org

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Early death is common, but life expectancy varies.

Because people with this condition are very sensitive to radiation, they should never be given radiation therapy, and no unnecessary x-rays should be done.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Cancer, such as lymphoma
  • Diabetes
  • Kyphosis
  • Progressive movement disorder that leads to wheelchair use
  • Scoliosis
  • Severe, recurrent lung infections

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if your child develops symptoms of this disorder.

 

Prevention

 

Couples with a family history of this condition who are considering pregnancy may consider genetic counseling.

Parents of a child with this disorder may have a slight increased risk for cancer. They should have genetic counseling and increased cancer screenings.

 

 

Open References

References

Gatti R. Ataxia-telangiectasia. GeneReviews . Seattle, WA: University of Washington; 2010:3. Accessed August 1, 2015. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20301790 .

 
  • Antibodies

    Antibodies - illustration

    Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.

    Antibodies

    illustration

    • Antibodies

      Antibodies - illustration

      Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.

      Antibodies

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     
       

      Review Date: 8/1/2015

      Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG, Fullerton Genetics Center, Asheville, 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.

      The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

       
       
       

       

       

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