X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy(ALD; Sudanophilic Leukodystrophy; Schilder Disease)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionX-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare genetic disorder. In people with ALD, the body cannot properly break down fatty acids. This results in a build up of saturated fatty acids in the brain and the adrenal cortex. This causes damage to the myelin sheath in the brain and adrenal gland.
There are 6 subtypes:
Causes TOPAn inherited defective gene causes ALD. Risk Factors TOPHaving family member with ALD raises your risk. Symptoms TOPSymptoms differ within the types of ALD. X-linked ALD (Childhood Cerebral ALD)This form is the most severe. It is only in boys. Symptoms start between 2 to 10 years of age. Boys may have:
As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms begin, such as:
X-linked ALD (Adolescent Cerebral ALD)This type is like the childhood type. It starts around 11-21 years of age. It happens more slowly. Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) TOPThis is the most common form. Symptoms of AMN can start in the 20's. It slowly gets worse. You may have:
X-linked ALD (Adult Cerebral ALD) TOPWith this type, symptoms usually do not appear until 20 or 50 years of age. It causes symptoms that are like schizophrenia and dementia. It gets worse quickly. Death or a vegetative state can happen in 3-4 years. Symptomatic Heterozygotes TOPThis form is only seen in women. Symptoms may be mild or severe. It usually does not affect the adrenal gland function. Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests and genetic tests may be done. Treatment TOPThere is no known cure for brain damage from ALD. But the adrenal deficiency can be treated with cortisone replacement. ALD often causes death 10 years after symptoms start. Some therapies can ease symptoms, such as:
Prevention TOPALD can’t be prevented. If you have ALD or have a family history of ALD, you can talk to a genetic counselor when deciding to have children. RESOURCES:National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov United Leukodystrophy Foundation http://www.ulf.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada http://www.canada.ca The Myelin Project of Canada http://www.myelin.org References:Berger J, Pujol A, et al. Current and future pharmacologic treatment strategies in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.
Brain Pathol. 2010;20(4):845-856. Moser HW. Therapy of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.
NeuroRx. 2006;3(2):246-253. Moser HW, Raymond GV, et al. Adrenoleukodystrophy: new approaches to a neurodegenerative disease.
JAMA. 2005;294(24):3131-3134. Moser HW, Raymond GV, et al. Follow-up of 89 asymptomatic patients with adrenoleukodystrophy treated with
Lorenzo's oil.
Arch Neurol. 2005;62(7):1073-1080. NINDS adrenoleukodystrophy information page.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Adrenoleukodystrophy-Information-Page. Accessed July 6, 2018. Last reviewed May 2018 by Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 7/6/2018 |
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