Intervenção da fisioterapia na síndrome de Menkes: relato de caso / Intervention of physiotherapy in Menkes syndrome: case report

Objetivo: Descrever a intervenção da fisioterapia motora e respiratória no caso de uma criança com Síndrome de Menkes. Método: Relato de caso, com base em registros retrospectivos, no qual são apresentados dados referentes ao acompanhamento fisioterapêutico de uma criança com o diagnóstico de Síndrome de Menkes. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do prontuário, entrevista com familiares e informações dos profissionais envolvidos. O referido paciente foi encaminhado para assistência fisioterapêutica aos 5 meses de vida, devido ao quadro de pneumonia com presença de atelectasia, associado as manifestações típicas da Síndrome, sendo então acompanhado por um período de 04 meses. Foram realizados 76 atendimentos, de um total de 91 agendamentos, os quais incluíram fisioterapia motora e respiratória, sendo aplicados métodos, técnicas, manuseios e posturas, para estimulação do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, e realizadas técnicas e recursos fisioterapêuticos para desobstrução e reexpansão pulmonar. Resultados: A cada sessão, a criança apresentou evidente melhora imediata no padrão e tipo respiratório, na frequência respiratória, na ausculta pulmonar e nos sinais de desconforto respiratório. Além disso, a estimulação motora e manutenção do quadro músculo esquelético, impediram agravos e deformidades. Segundo relato da mãe, a criança mostrava-se menos agitada após as sessões, com melhora no padrão e conforto respiratório, o que impactou de forma positiva na sua qualidade de vida. Conclusão: A fisioterapia motora e respiratória se apresentam como terapêuticas favoráveis para condição de saúde geral de pacientes com Síndrome de Menkes e novos estudos devem ser conduzidos no sentido de elucidar essa intervenção, com amostras maiores.

Objective: To describe the intervention of motor and respiratory physiotherapy in the case of a child with Menkes Syndrome. Method: Case report based on retrospective registers in which data are presented regarding the physical therapy accompaniment of a child with the diagnosis of Menkes Syndrome. The data were obtained based on the records of the child's chart, interview with relatives and information of the professionals involved. The patient was referred for physiotherapeutic assistance at 5 months of age, due to the presence of atelectasis pneumonia associated with the typical manifestations of Menkes' Syndrome, followed by a period of 4 months. A total of 76 appointments were performed, including motor and respiratory physiotherapy, and methods, techniques and manipulations were used to stimulate neuropsychomotor development, as well as techniques and physiotherapeutic resources were used to clear and reexpans the lungs. Results: At each session, the child showed evident immediate improvement in respiratory pattern and type, respiratory rate, pulmonary auscultation, and signs of respiratory discomfort. In addition, the motor stimulation and maintenance of the skeletal muscle of the child, prevented injuries and deformities. According to the mother's report, the child was less agitated after the sessions, with improved breathing pattern and comfort, which positively impacted his quality of life. Conclusion: Motor and respiratory physiotherapy are presented as favorable therapies for the general health condition of patients with Menkes-Syndrome, and further studies should be conducted to elucidate this intervention in a bigger sample.

Síntesis y uso de histidinato de cobre en niños con enfermedad de Menkes en México / Synthesis and use of copper histidinate in children with Menkes disease in Mexico

Resumen La enfermedad de Menkes es una patología neurodegenerativa y letal debida a mutaciones génicas de la enzima ATP-7A trasportadora de cobre; se manifiesta por síntomas neurológicos y alteraciones del tejido conectivo de severidad variable. El uso subcutáneo oportuno de histidinato de cobre (Cu-His) es determinante en la calidad de vida. Se reportan las primeras experiencias en México en la síntesis y uso seguro de Cu-His en tres casos en los que corroboramos hipocupremia e hipoceruloplasminemia. Bajo asesoramiento del Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canadá, elaboramos una solución de 500 µg/mL. En los tres casos aplicamos 250 µg de Cu-His, sin efectos indeseables relevantes durante 30 días y observamos las siguientes determinaciones séricas de cobre (Cu en µg/L) y ceruloplasmina (Cp en mg/dL): caso 1, Cu días 0 y 30, 8 y 504 µg/L; Cp días 0 y 30, 4 y 10.75 mg/dL; caso 2, Cu días 0 y 30, < 50 y 502, µg/L; Cp días 0 y 30, 2 y 15 mg/dL; caso 3, Cu días 0 y 30, 3 y 84.2 µg/L; Cp días 0 y 30, 4 y 10.7 mg/dL. En México es posible la síntesis segura de Cu-His y tratar la enfermedad de Menkes, la cual debe ser intencionalmente buscada.

Abstract Menkes disease is a neurodegenerative and lethal pathology caused by gene mutations of the copper-transporting ATP-7A enzyme; it manifests itself by neurological symptoms and connective tissue changes of varying severity. Timely subcutaneous use of copper histidinate (Cu-His) is determinant for quality of life. We report the first experiences in Mexico on Cu-His synthesis and its safe use in 3 cases where hypocupremia and hypoceruloplasminemia were corroborated. With advice of the Hospital for Sick Children of Toronto Canada, we prepared a 500 µg/mL solution. In all three cases were 250 µg of Cu-His applied without relevant undesirable effects for 30 days. Serum copper (Cu, expressed in µg/L) and ceruloplasmin (Cp, in mg/dL) were determined: case 1, Cu days 0 and 30, 8 and 504 µg/L; Cp days 0 and 30, 4 and 10.75 mg/dL; case 2, Cu days 0 and 30, <50 and 502 µg/L; Cp days 0 and 30, 2 and 15 mg/dL; case 3, Cu days 0 and 30, 3 and 84.2 µg/L; Cp days 0 and 30, 4 and 10.7 mg/dL. In Mexico, it is possible to safely synthesize Cu-His and treat MD, which must be intentionally sought.

Urological Problems in Patients with Menkes Disease

BACKGROUND: Menkes disease (MD) is a rare X-linked hereditary multisystemic disorder that is caused by dysfunction of copper metabolism. Patients with MD typically present with progressive neurodegeneration, some connective tissue abnormalities, and characteristic “kinky” hair. In addition, various types of urological complications are frequent in MD because of underlying connective tissue abnormalities. In this study, we studied the clinical features and outcomes of MD, focusing on urological complications. METHODS: A total of 14 unrelated Korean pediatric patients (13 boys and 1 girl) with MD were recruited, and their phenotypes and genotypes were analyzed by retrospective review of their medical records. RESULTS: All the patients had early-onset neurological deficit, including developmental delay, seizures, and hypotonia. The girl patient showed normal serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels as well as milder symptoms. Mutational analysis of the ATP7A gene revealed 11 different mutations in 12 patients. Bladder diverticula was the most frequent urological complication: 8 (57.1%) in the 14 patients or 8 (72.7%) in the 11 patients who underwent urological evaluation. Urological imaging studies were performed essentially for the evaluation of accompanying urinary tract infections. Four patients had stage II chronic kidney disease at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Urologic problems occurred frequently in MD, with bladder diverticula being the most common. Therefore, urological imaging studies and appropriate management of urological complications, which may prevent or reduce the development of urinary tract infections and renal parenchymal damage, are required in all patients with MD.

Diagnostic imaging features of Menkes disease / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To analyze the imaging features of Menkes disease in children, and in order to identify the diagnostic value and improve the knowledge of it. Methods The imaging findings of 9 Menkes disease patients confirmed by the clinical and laboratory examinations were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were male aged from 2.0 to 7.0 months with a median age of 3.0 months. The clinical manifestations including seizures, psychomotor retardation, dystonia accompanied with light complexion and curly hair. The laboratory examinations showed low serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels. All the patients were performed with plain MR scan and MR angiography, 7 cases were performed with chest X?ray examinations and 4 cases were performed with bone X?ray examinations and 1 were performed with hand X?ray examinations. Results The plain MR scan showed white matter lesions in 8 cases, abnormality signal intensity of basal ganglia in 4 cases, subdural effusion in 2 cases. 8 cases had cerebral and cerebellar atrophy at different degrees. The MR angiography showed abnormal tortuosity of the main intracranial arteries. The chest X?ray of 5 in 7 cases showed that the front end of bilateral ribs were spherical and enlarged. 4 cases were performed with bone X?ray presenting, 3 out of 4 cases showed the widened metaphysis of tibia, fibula, femoral, humerus ulna and radius with the shape like cup?mouth and the formation of bony spur locally. The X ray examination of 1 case with connecting palm showed symphysodactylia. Conclusion Brain MR, X?ray of chest and bone showed imaging features of Menkes disease. MR angiography finding was the most distinctive feature, which has important value in the diagnosis of Menkes disease.

Research progress in Menkes disease / 国际儿科学杂志

Menkes Disease (MD) is a multisystemic disorder of impaired copper metabolism with an X-linked recessive inheritance,which is caused by defects in ATP7A gene encoding a copper-transporting AT-Pase.It is characterized by infantile onset,peculiar curls and facial changes,mental retardation with progressive neurodegeneration,as well as hypotonia and connective tissue abnormalities.Many intermediate phenotypes have been found in recent years,the mildest form of which is occipital horn syndrome (OHS).Its clinical variants show a broad spectrum from chromosome abnormalities to single-nucleotide mutation.Early copper-histidine supplementation is still the most crucial treatment at present,and L-DOPS combination therapy may benefit some patients clinically.This article reviews the pathogenesis,clinical features and the progress of diagnosis and treatment of MD.

El metabolismo del cobre. Sus consecuencias para la salud humana / Metabolism of copper. Its consequences for human health

Diversas enfermedades que constituyen problemas para la salud humana a nivel mundial, son el resultado de fallos en la homeostasis del cobre en la célula. El mecanismo de transporte del cobre no está completamente dilucidado; de ahí la necesidad de continuar profundizando en este tema. La presente revisión bibliográfica, sustentada en el análisis de 40 artículos científicos, describe los procesos de captación, distribución y eliminación del cobre en la célula; se refiere además a las enfermedades relacionadas con alteraciones en el metabolismo de dicho elemento y a su tratamiento, tales como, la enfermedad de Menkes y la de Wilson; y por último, a los estudios moleculares realizados en pacientes cubanos. Se concluye que el trabajo aporta información relevante que contribuye a la actualización y preparación del personal médico, respecto a estas afecciones a nivel molecular, celular y de organismo.

Several diseases which constitute a health problem for humans worldwide result from failure of copper cellular homeostasis. The mechanism of copper transportation in not completely defined therefore it is necessary to continue deepening on the topic. The present bibliographical review, based on the analysis of 40 scientific articles, describes the processes of copper catchment, distribution and elimination of copper in the cell; it refers, in addition to the diseases related to the metabolic disturbances of this element and its treatment, such as Menkes and Wilson diseases and lastly the molecular studies performed in Cuban patients. It is concluded that this work offers a significant information which contribute to the updating and preparation of the medical personnel regarding these illnesses at the molecular, cellular levels so as in the organism.

Clinical Findings of Menkes Disease and the Treatment of Epilepsy / 대한소아신경학회지

Menkes disease (also known as kinky hair disease) is an X-linked recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by diverse mutations in a copper-transport gene, ATP7A. Affected patients are characterized by kinky hair, hypotonia, and generalized myoclonic seizures. Here, we report a case of Menkes disease in which the patient presented with progressive hypotonia and intractable seizures. A 4-month-old male infant visited our pediatric clinic for focal seizures with blinking eyes. He was generally hypotonic and suffered from malnutrition. The focal seizures became more frequent, and the patient became intractable to anti-seizure medications. An electroencephalogram (EEG) indicated diffuse cerebral dysfunction with focal seizure, and a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed tortuous and ectatic intracranial arteries, as well as several ischemic lesions. A genetic analysis was performed, and a c.2473_2474del (p.Leu825fsX1) of the ATP7A gene was detected.

A Case of Menkes Disease First Manifested as Severe Vesicoureteral Reflux Caused by a Novel Mutation in ATP7A Gene

Menkes disease is a rare, neurodegenerative, copper metabolism disorder characterized by mutations in ATP7A gene. Clinical symptoms include epilepsy, growth delay, reduced muscle strength, skin hyperextension, hair deformation and urologic abnormalities. However, since these clinical symptoms occur 2–3 months after birth, early diagnosis of Menkes disease is very difficult for clinicians. We report here the case of a patient who initially presented urinary tract infection followed by neurologic symptoms of Menkes disease; he was accurately diagnosed via ATP7A genetic analysis and found to harbor a novel mutation. Although neurological symptoms are the primary diagnostic feature of Menkes disease, clinicians should take into account urinary abnormalities as well, which may be an important clue to the early diagnosis of these patients.

Clinical and laboratory features and gene diagnosis of Menkes disease / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the clinical and laboratory features,and gene diagnosis method of Menkes disease (MD).Methods The clinical and laboratory features and gene diagnosis method of 2 infants with MD were reviewed.Results (1) Clinical features:both infants mentioned in this article were male.Their clinical manifestations were both began at 3-4 months age,including peculiar kinky hair,pale skin,pudgy cheeks,inguinal hernia,vessel abnormality,epilepsy and mental retardation.(2) Laboratory features:the ceruloplasmin concentrations significantly reduced to be ＜ 20 mg/L and 47 mg/L,respectively.The magnetic resonance angiogram images of case 1 showed the abnormal tortuosity of his intracranial vessels.The magnetic resonance images of case 2 showed a rapid progress from normal to severe brain atrophy within half a year.(3) Gene diagnosis:the sequencing of ATP7A gene in case 1 showed a nonsense mutation of c.2110 C ＞ T.The pathogenicity of this mutation had not been reported previously at home and abroad.The sequencing of the gene panel without pathogenic mutation was detected in case 2.But the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification test showed a gross deletion of ATP7A gene containing 8-12 exons.This mutation had been documented as a pathogenic mutation of MD.Both mothers of 2 patients were heterozygous mutation carriers of normal phenotype.Conclusions MD is a multisystemic disease caused by ATP7A gene mutation resulting in copper metabolism disorder.MD is inherited as an X-linked recessive trait.MD is characterized by kinky hair,connective tissue abnormalities and progressive neurodegeneration.Clinical diagnosis can be made on the basis of clinical features,findings of blood biochemical examination,and radiological findings.Gene sequencing and multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification test are the main technique widely used for genetic diagnosis.

Menkes disease: importance of diagnosis with molecular analysis in the neonatal period / Doença de Menkes: importância do diagnóstico com análise molecular no período neonatal

Summary Menkes disease is a congenital disorder caused by changes in copper metabolism derived from mutations in the ATP7A gene. It is characterized by physical and neurological alterations. In the neonatal period, these alterations can be nonspecific, which makes early diagnosis a challenge. Diagnosis can be suspected when there are low levels of ceruloplasmin and serum copper. Molecular analysis confirms the diagnosis. Treatment is parenteral administration of copper histidine. We report a familial case with molecular confirmation. The proband had clinical and biochemical suspicious. Treatment with copper histidine was indicated, but initiated at the age of 2 months and 27 days only. He did not present improvements and died at 6 months. The mother became pregnant again, a male fetus was identified and copper histidine was manufactured during pregnancy. He was born healthy, biochemical markers were reduced and treatment was indicated. Molecular analysis was performed confirming mutation in both the mother and the proband, while the other son did not have mutation, so treatment was discontinued. We support the clinical relevance of molecular confirmation for the correct diagnosis and genetic counseling, once clinical findings in the neonatal period are nonspecific and early treatment with parenteral copper histidine must be indicated.

Resumo A doença de Menkes é causada por uma alteração genética no metabolismo do cobre, por mutações no gene ATP7A. Caracteriza-se por alterações neurológicas e no exame físico. No período neonatal, essas alterações podem ser inespecíficas, o que torna o diagnóstico precoce um desafio. O diagnóstico pode ser suspeitado quando há baixos níveis séricos de cobre e ceruloplasmina. A análise molecular confirma o diagnóstico, e o tratamento deve ser feito com histidina de cobre. Nós relatamos um caso familial de doença de Menkes. O probando apresentava quadro clínico e alterações bioquímicas compatíveis com a doença de Menkes, em consulta com 1 mês de vida. O tratamento foi indicado, mas apenas iniciado com 2 meses e 27 dias. Ele não apresentou melhora clínica e veio a óbito com 6 meses. A mãe teve uma nova gestação, foi identificado um feto do sexo masculino e foi solicitada a manipulação da histidina de cobre ainda durante a gestação. O bebê nasceu saudável, os marcadores bioquímicos estavam diminuídos e o tratamento com histidina de cobre foi indicado. Realizamos a análise molecular, que confirmou mutação no gene ATP7A na mãe e no probando; porém, o outro filho não apresentava mutação e o tratamento foi interrompido. Nós defendemos a importância clínica da confirmação molecular para o correto diagnóstico e o aconselhamento genético da doença de Menkes, uma vez que os achados clínicos e as alterações bioquímicas no período neonatal são inespecíficos, e o tratamento com histidina de cobre parenteral deve ser rapidamente instituído.

A case of Menkes disease caused by novel mutation in the ATP7A gene with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Menkes disease is caused by mutations in the ATP7A gene that lead to intracellular copper transport defects and characterized by brownish twisted (kinky) hair accompanied by growth retardation and intellectual disability. Reduced nitric oxide (NO) production contributes to infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) because NO plays an important role in smooth muscle relaxation. Here we describe a case of Menkes disease and IHPS in a 72-day-old male patient with severe persistent vomiting and convulsions with a novel ATP7A mutation.

Síndrome de Menkes: relato de caso em irmãos / Menkes disease: report of two cases in siblings

A Síndrome de Menkes ou tricopoliodistrofia é umadesordem neurodegenerativa de caráter recessivo, ligadaao cromossomo X, caracterizada por um distúrbiono transporte e metabolismo do cobre. O diagnósticoé sugerido pela tríade clássica dos fatores clínicos(atraso no desenvolvimento, degeneração neurológicae má formação dos cabelos) e com a demonstração daredução dos níveis séricos de cobre e ceruloplasmina.Relata-se o caso de dois irmãos, diagnosticados comSíndrome de Menkes, enfatizando-se ainda, a raridadedesse acontecimento e os tratamentos atuais de eficácialimitada.

Menkes syndrome or Twisted Hair Syndromeand trichopolyodistrophy is a rare, X-linked recessiveneurodegenerative disorder, characterized by adisturbance in copper metabolism. The diagnosis isclinically suggested by the classic triad of features(developmental delay, neurological degenerationand malformation of the hair) and with the demonstrationof reduction of serum copper and ceruloplasmin.We report on the case of two brothers, diagnosedwith Menkes syndrome, emphasizing also therarity of this event and the current treatments of limitedeffectiveness.

Reporte de caso clínico: enfermedad de Menkes / Clinical case report: Menkes disease

La enfermedad de pelo ensortijado de Menkes es una patología congénita hereditaria, de pobre pronóstico, causada por una mutación de gen ATP7A localizado en el cromosoma X que codifica para las enzimas dependientes de cobre. Esta patología clínicamente está caracterizada por temprano retardo en el crecimiento, cabello frágil y ensortijado, degeneración arterial, cerebral y cerebelosa, lo que se explica por la disminución de la actividad de las cuproenzimas. Los severos daños neurológicos comienzan dentro del primero o segundo mes de vida y progresan rápidamente hasta la descerebración y muerte. El paciente objeto de estudio presentó desde los dos meses de edad crisis convulsivas focalizadas, que no ceden al tratamiento con anticonvulsivantes y que obligó a varias hospitalizaciones por su rápido y progresivo deterioro neurológico. La presencia además de un cabello acerado,frágil, escaso y despigmentado al igual que su piel, mejillas regordetas, frente olímpica, severa hipotonía muscular y el antecedente materno de cinco abortos, un hermano y dos tíos fallecidos tempranamente con convulsiones, permitió el diagnóstico clínico, que luego se corroboró con estudios complementarios.

Menkes disease is a congenital hereditary disease of poor prognosis caused by a mutation of the ATP7A gene located on the chromosome X, which codes for copper-dependent enzymes. This condition is clinically characterized by an early growth retardation, fragile and kinky hair, arterial degeneration and cerebral and cerebellar degeneration, which can be explained by the decreasedactivity of cuproenzimas. The severe neurological damages begin within the first or second month of life and progress rapidly to decerebration and death. The patient under study presented focal convulsive crises at the age of two months, which did not improve when treated with anticonvulsants and forced several hospitalizations because of the rapid and progressive neurologicaldeterioration. The additional presence of steely, brittle, sparse and depigmented hair as well as skin, chubby cheeks, an Olympic forehead, a severe muscular hypotonia and a maternal history of five abortions, one brother and two uncles who died early with convultions, allowed the predominant clinical diagnosis, which was then confirmed with further studies

Hair Abnormality and Cutis Laxa in Menkes Disease / 대한피부과학회지

Menkes disease, so called kinky-hair syndrome, is a rare fatal X-linked recessive disorder, which is caused by a mutation in the ATP7A gene encoding the copper transporting ATPase. Dysfunction of copper-dependent enzymes results in various clinical features, including skin and hair hypopigmentation, progressive neurologic degeneration, bone and connective tissue alterations with soft doughy skin and joint laxity, and vascular abnormalities, including aneurysms and bladder diverticula. Patients have the characteristic hair, which is kinky, colorless or steel-colored, and brittle with cutis laxa. Early diagnosis and treatments are perquisites for improving the clinical outcomes. Herein, we describe a rare case of Menkes disease accompanied by hair abnormality and cutis laxa in a 35-days-old boy.

Hair Abnormality and Cutis Laxa in Menkes Disease / 대한피부과학회지

Menkes disease, so called kinky-hair syndrome, is a rare fatal X-linked recessive disorder, which is caused by a mutation in the ATP7A gene encoding the copper transporting ATPase. Dysfunction of copper-dependent enzymes results in various clinical features, including skin and hair hypopigmentation, progressive neurologic degeneration, bone and connective tissue alterations with soft doughy skin and joint laxity, and vascular abnormalities, including aneurysms and bladder diverticula. Patients have the characteristic hair, which is kinky, colorless or steel-colored, and brittle with cutis laxa. Early diagnosis and treatments are perquisites for improving the clinical outcomes. Herein, we describe a rare case of Menkes disease accompanied by hair abnormality and cutis laxa in a 35-days-old boy.

Identification of a Novel Mutation in the ATP7A Gene in a Korean Patient with Menkes Disease

Menkes disease is an infantile-onset X-linked recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by diverse mutations in a copper-transport gene, ATP7A. Affected patients are characterized by progressive hypotonia, seizures, failure to thrive and death in early childhood. Here, we report a case of Menkes disease presented by intractable seizures and infantile spasms. A 3-month-old male infant had visited our pediatric clinic for lethargy, floppy muscle tone, poor oral intake and partial seizures. His hair was kinky, brown colored and fragile. Partial seizures became more frequent, generalized and intractable to antiseizure medications. An EEG showed frequent posteriorly dominant generalized spikes that were consistent with a generalized seizure. From a genetic analysis, a c.2743C>T (p.Gln915X) mutation was detected and diagnosed as Menkes disease. The mutation is a novel one that has not been previously reported as a cause of Menkes disease.

Doença de Menkes: relato de caso / Menkes' Disease: case report

Relata-se um caso clássico de doença de Menkes, uma doença neurodegenerativa acompanhada de manifestações sistêmicas, dentre elas aspecto típico do cabelo. O diagnóstico se confirma pelos níveis baixos de ceruloplasmina e cobre no sangue. Os autores trazem uma revisão atualizada, não sistemática, da literatura.

A classical case of Menkes? disease is discussed, a neurodegenerative disease accompanied by systemic manifestations, including a typicalaspect of the hair. The diagnosis is confirmed by low serum levels of ceruloplasmin and copper. The authors bring forth an updated nonsystematic revision of the literature.

A case of Menkes disease with unusual hepatomegaly / 소아과

Menkes disease is an X-linked recessive copper transport disorder characterized by neurological deterioration, connective-tissue damage, and abnormal hair growth. It is caused by the mutation of the ATP7A gene. This report describes a four-month-old boy with neurological symptoms typical of Menkes disease plus unusual liver involvement. He developed seizures at three months of age and exhibited hypotonia, cephalhematoma, a sagging face, redundant and hypopigmented skin, and abnormal hair growth. In addition, he had unexplained hepatomegaly and high hepatic transaminase. We confirmed the diagnosis of Menkes disease by mutation analysis of the ATP7A gene. To exclude other possible causes for the hepatic abnormalities, a liver biopsy was performed, revealing intracytoplasmic cholestasis, focal spotty necrosis, and minimal lobular activity. The patient's liver involvement may be an underestimated complication of Menkes disease.

An Anesthetic Experience in a Patient with Menkes Disease: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Menkes disease, so-called kinky hair disease or steely hair disease, is a rare X-linked recessive disorder of intracellular copper transport protein ATP7A defect, due to mutation of ATP7A gene, resulting in copper deficiency. It is characterized by seizure, retarded neurological development, kinky hair, skeletal abnormality, recurrent infection and subnormal body temperature. In addition, gastroesophageal reflux with the risk of aspiration is another important feature. This article is the first report of anesthetic management in a patient with Menkes disease who underwent gastrostomy and bladder diverticulectomy in Korea.

Identification of novel mutations of the ATP7A gene and prenatal diagnosis of Menkes disease by mutation analysis

PURPOSE: Menkes disease is an X-linked recessively inherited disorder caused by the mutation of the ATP7A gene encoding copper-transporting P-type ATPase. The phenotypic features are progressive neurological degeneration, mental retardation, loose skin, and vascular complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for the prognosis of Menkes disease. Here, we describe novel mutations of the ATP7A gene and prenatal diagnosis by mutation analysis. METHODS: Five unrelated Korean Menkes patients were included in this study. They presented with depigmented wool-like hair, progressive neurologic deterioration, and hypotonia in infancy. Serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels were decreased. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed tortuous intracranial vessels. Mutation analysis has been carried out using cDNA from cultured skin fibroblasts or genomic DNA from peripheral leukocytes. Prenatal diagnosis was performed in two cases using chorionic villi samples or amniocytes. RESULTS: Four novel mutations have been identified from four different families; c.3511+1G