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[Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia]
M Gassó de Campos1, B Espín Jaime, J Gómez Arias
1Servicios de Análisis Clínicos. Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén. España. mgasso@supercable.es
Insights
A rare genetic disorder, homozygous hypobetalipoproteinemia, was diagnosed in a premature infant presenting with abdominal distension and feeding issues. This condition affects lipid metabolism, impacting crucial nutrients like vitamins A and E.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hypobetalipoproteinemia is a rare genetic disorder affecting lipid metabolism.
- Consanguinity in parents can increase the risk of autosomal recessive genetic conditions.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old infant born prematurely (28 weeks gestation) presented with abdominal distension, regurgitation, and vomiting after feeding.
- Biochemical tests revealed reduced triglycerides, cholesterol, vitamin A, and absence of apolipoprotein B and vitamin E.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with homozygous hypobetalipoproteinemia.
- Genetic studies confirmed the diagnosis, identifying the specific genetic mutations responsible.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for infants with homozygous hypobetalipoproteinemia.
- Understanding the genetic basis of lipid metabolism disorders is vital for developing targeted therapies.
Abstract:
We present the case of a 5-month-old girl, with consanguineous parents, who was born at 28 weeks of gestation and who showed intermittent signs of abdominal distension accompanied by increased regurgitation and vomiting after food intake. Significant biochemical alterations (reduced levels of triglicerides, cholesterol, and vitamin A and absence of apolipoprotein B and vitamin E) led to the diagnosis of homozygous hypobetalipoproteinemia, which was subsequently confirmed by genetic studies.
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