(Kinky Hair Disease; Steely Hair Disease; Trichopoliodystrophy; X-linked Copper Deficiency; Copper Transport Disease)
Definition
Definition
Menkes syndrome is an inherited genetic disorder due to an abnormal gene, ATP7A. Menkes syndrome causes impaired copper absorption. This results in changes in the arteries and deterioration of the brain.
Menkes syndrome is rare. Most children born with Menkes syndrome have a life expectancy of less than 3-5 years.
Causes
Causes
Copper proteins are necessary for the body to build bone, nerves, and other tissue. Babies with Menkes syndrome have a genetic disorder that prevents the absorption of copper from the intestines and causes it to build up in excess amounts in the kidney, while remaining deficient in the liver and brain. This causes changes in the hair, brain, bones, liver, and arteries.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Menkes syndrome is more common in males, and in those with a family history.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Children with Menkes are often born prematurely. Symptoms usually begin within 3 months after birth and may include:
- Seizures
- Difficulty feeding
- Developmental delays and regression
- Floppy muscle tone
Osteoporosis—Weakened Bone MatrixCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Babies with Menkes syndrome often exhibit the following physical characteristics:
- Hair that is stubby, tangled, sparse, lacking in color, and easily broken
- Chubby, rosy
cheeks
- Flattened bridge of the nose
- Face lacking in expression
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
The following tests may be done to diagnose Menkes syndrome:
- X-ray of the skull and skeleton to look for abnormalities in bone formation
- Blood tests and biopsies to measure copper levels
Treatment
Treatment
There is no cure for Menkes syndrome. Early treatment with IV copper acetate, oral copper supplements, or injections of copper histidinate may provide temporary benefit. Other treatments may be used to relieve symptoms.
Prevention
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent Menkes syndrome. If you have a family history of the disorder, you can talk to a genetic counselor when deciding whether to have children.
RESOURCES:
ORDR—Office of Rare Diseases Research http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
CORD—Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders http://raredisorders.ca
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1413
Updated October 14, 2010. Accessed August 6, 2015.
Menkes syndrome. Genetics Home Reference website. Available at:
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/menkes-syndrome
Updated March 2009. Accessed August 6, 2015.
NINDS Menkes disease information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/menkes/menkes.htm
Updated September 30, 2011. Accessed August 6, 2015.
Last Updated: 8/6/2014