Albinism(Hypopigmentation; Oculocutaneous Albinism; Ocular Albinism)
by
Rick Alan DefinitionAlbinism refers to a group of rare inherited disorders that are present from birth. Albinism affects the amount of pigment found in the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism usually have little to no pigment in their eyes, skin, and hair. The degree of pigment loss can be quite variable. There are different types of albinism:
CausesAlbinism is caused by altered genes. The affected genes control the body's ability to make a pigment called melanin. Altered genes are most often inherited from parents. Both parents will need to have the altered genes in order for the child to develop most types of albinism. People can carry one set of altered genes and not have signs of albinism. They are called carriers. The second, healthy set of genes prevents the disease from developing. Risk FactorsAlbinism is a hereditary disorder. People at risk of inheriting albinism are:
Albinism is rare. Most children with albinism are born to parents with normal hair and skin color for their ethnic background. SymptomsThe symptoms of albinism depend on the specific type of albinism. Some types affect the skin, hair, and eyes. Other types affect only the eyes or only the skin.
Symptoms may include:
DiagnosisIn many types of albinism, the disorder can be diagnosed by observing major or total absence of pigmentation of the hair, skin, and eyes and by vision problems. Most types of albinism affect the eyes. Certain eye tests (including an electroretinogram) are used to help confirm the diagnosis. For some types of albinism, DNA genetic testing can also be used to confirm the diagnosis. While albinism is always visible at birth, it may be so mild that affected persons are unaware of their diagnosis unless abnormal eye movements or vision develop. Prognosis
TreatmentThere is no cure for albinism. Treatment is aimed at preventing or limiting symptoms. In some cases, specific treatment for certain symptoms is needed. Preventive TreatmentPreventive treatment may include:
Specific Treatment of SymptomsSpecific treatment of symptoms for albinism may include:
PreventionThere is no known way to prevent albinism. If you have albinism or have a family history of the disorder, you can talk to a genetic counselor when deciding to have children to understand the risks to your offspring. RESOURCES:Genetics Home Reference http://www.ghr.nlm.nih.gov National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) http://www.albinism.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Dermatology Association http://www.dermatology.ca Canadian Ophthalmological Society http://www.eyesite.ca References:Hong ES, Zeeb H, et al. Albinism in Africa as a public health issue.
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Amelioration of both functional and morphological abnormalities in the retina of a mouse model of ocular albinism following AAV-mediated gene transfer.
Mol Ther. 2005 Oct;12(4):652-658. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 12/20/2014 | |
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