Canavan disease: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
'''Canavan disease''' is an inherited disorder that causes progressive damage to [[nerve cell]]s in the [[brain]]. This disease is one of a group of genetic disorders called [[leukodystrophies]]. Leukodystrophies are characterized by degeneration of [[myelin]], which covers the [[phospholipid]] layer of neuron insulating the axon.
 


==Historical Perspective==
==Historical Perspective==
===Current Research===
A team of researchers headed by Paola Leone are currently at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, in Camden, New Jersey.  The brain gene therapy is conducted at Cooper University Hospital. The procedure involves the insertion of six [[catheter]]s into the brain that deliver a solution containing 600 billion to 900 billion engineered [[virus]] particles. The virus, a modified version of [[Adeno-Associated Virus|AAV]], is designed to replace the aspartoacylase enzyme. Children treated with this procedure to date have shown marked improvements, including the growth of myelin with decreased levels of the n-acetyl-aspartate toxin.


==Classification==
==Classification==
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==Causes==
==Causes==
[[Image:autorecessive.svg|thumb|left|150px|Canavan disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion.]]


Canavan disease is caused by a defective ''[[ASPA (gene)|ASPA]]'' gene which is responsible for the production of the [[enzyme]] [[aspartoacylase]]. This enzyme breaks down the concentrated brain molecule [[N-acetyl aspartate|N-acetyl aspartate]]. Decreased aspartoacylase activity prevents the normal breakdown of N-acetyl aspartate, and the lack of breakdown somehow interferes with growth of the [[myelin]] sheath of the [[nerve fiber]]s in the brain. The myelin sheath is the [[fat]]ty covering surrounding nerve cells that acts as an [[Electrical insulation|insulator]], and allows for efficient transmission of [[nerve]] impulses.


==Differentiating {{PAGENAME}} from Other Diseases==
==Differentiating {{PAGENAME}} from Other Diseases==


==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
Although Canavan disease may occur in any ethnic group, it affects persons of Eastern European Jewish ancestry more frequently.  About 1/40 individuals of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish ancestry are carriers.  Canavan disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance of having an affected child. [[Genetic counseling]] and [[genetic testing]] is recommended for families who may be carriers.


==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==
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==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis==
==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis==
Death usually occurs before age 4 untreated, although some children may survive into their  twenties via newer treatments which have extended life expectancy. There is no known cure.


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
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===History and Symptoms===
===History and Symptoms===
Symptoms of Canavan disease, which appear in early [[infant|infancy]] and progress rapidly, may include [[mental retardation]], loss of previously acquired [[motor skill]]s, feeding difficulties, abnormal [[muscle]] tone (i.e., floppiness or stiffness), poor head control, and [[megalocephaly]] (abnormally enlarged head). [[Paralysis]], [[blindness]], or [[seizure]]s may also occur.


===Physical Examination===
===Physical Examination===
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==Treatment==
==Treatment==
There is no cure for Canavan disease, nor is there a standard course of treatment. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. The life expectancy of Canavan patients is not known because new treatments have extended their lives beyond earlier projections. Today, Canavan children often survive into their teens and beyond.


Research involving [[triacetin]] supplementation in patients with Canavan disease has shown some promising results. [http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/reprint/315/1/297.pdf Glyceryl Tricetate study] Triacetin, which can be enzymatically cleaved to form [[acetate]], enters the brain more readily than the negatively charged acetate.
===Medical Therapy===
===Medical Therapy===



Revision as of 17:47, 29 July 2020

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Zehra Malik, M.B.B.S[2]


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Canavan disease
ICD-9 330.0
OMIM 271900
DiseasesDB 29780
MedlinePlus 001586

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Canavan disease from Other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

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Diagnosis

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