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Published on: March 5, 2016
Lipoprotein lipase deficiency in an infant
Sheela Nampoothiri1, Natasha Radhakrishnan, Andrea Schwentek
1Department of Pediatric Genetics, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Cochin, Kerala, India. sheeladr@gmail.com
Insights
Severe hypertriglyceridemia in infants can cause serious symptoms. This case highlights novel mutations in the lipoprotein lipase gene as a cause in an infant.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Isolated hypertriglyceridemia is a lipid disorder often presenting with symptoms like pancreatitis and eruptive xanthomas.
- Severe hypertriglyceridemia can lead to significant health complications, particularly in infants.
Observation:
- A case study of an infant diagnosed with severe hypertriglyceridemia is presented.
- The infant exhibited symptoms commonly associated with this condition.
Findings:
- Genetic analysis revealed the infant was heterozygous for two previously unidentified mutations.
- These novel mutations were identified in the lipoprotein lipase gene, crucial for triglyceride metabolism.
Implications:
- This discovery expands the known genetic causes of severe hypertriglyceridemia.
- Identifying novel mutations aids in understanding the disease's genetic basis and developing targeted diagnostics and treatments.
- Early diagnosis and genetic insights are vital for managing pediatric hypertriglyceridemia.
Abstract:
Patients with isolated hypertriglyceridemia usually present with recurrent abdominal pain, pancreatitis, eruptive xanthomas, lipemia retinalis and hepatosplenomegaly. We describe the diagnosis and treatment of an infant with severe hypertriglyceridemia. The child was found to be heterozygous for two novel mutations in the lipoprotein lipase gene.
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