Pearson’s Syndrome
- What causes the disease and how common is it?
Pearson syndrome is a mitochondrial disease characterized by sideroblastic anemia and exocrine pancreas dysfunction. It is caused by a deletion in mitochondrial DNA Pearson Syndrome is classified as a mitochondrial disease because it consists of several overlapping syndromes that are caused by mutations of mitochondrial DNA. Specifically, Pearson Syndrome is a combination of syndromes that involves the bone marrow and the exocrine pancreas. Pearson syndrome is very rare (< 100 cases so far reported worldwide). - What are the most frequent symptoms if I have the disease?
Pearson Syndrome is a form of sideroblastic anemia associated with exocrine pancreas dysfunction. With Pearson Syndrome, the bone marrow fails to produce white blood cells called neutrophils. The syndrome also leads to anemia, low platelet count, and aplastic anemia. Other clinical features are failure to thrive, pancreatic fibrosis with insulin-dependent diabetes and exocrine pancreatic deficiency, muscle and neurologic impairment, and, frequently, early death. It is usually fatal in infancy. The few patients who survive into adulthood often develop symptoms of Kearns-Sayre syndrome syndrome (ophthalmoplegia with abnormal ocular movements). - Which treatment must I follow if I have the disease?
None. - What is the risk of passing the condition on to my children?
Pearson syndrome is transmitted by maternal inheritance. The father of an individual with Pearson Syndrome is not at risk for carrying the mtDNA mutation. The mother carries the trait, but does not have the mtDNA deletion in her tissues.
No Comments
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.