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Photic sneeze reflex in nephropathic cystinosis
B Katz1, R B Melles, M R Swenson
1Pacific Presbyterian Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94115.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Photic induced sneezing, a reflex to bright light, was observed in 26% of patients with cystinosis. This study explores potential links between this metabolic disorder and the photic sneeze reflex.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Photic induced sneeze is a reflex triggered by bright light.
- Cystinosis is a rare genetic disorder causing cystine accumulation in lysosomes.
- Corneal crystal deposition is a hallmark ocular sign of cystinosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the occurrence of photic induced sneezing in patients with nephropathic cystinosis.
- To investigate potential pathophysiological mechanisms linking cystinosis and the photic sneeze reflex.
Main Methods:
- Observation of photic induced sneezes during ophthalmoscopic examination.
- Study conducted on 19 patients diagnosed with nephropathic cystinosis.
Main Results:
- Photic induced sneezes were observed in 5 out of 19 patients (26%) with nephropathic cystinosis.
- The presence of corneal crystals in these patients was noted.
Conclusions:
- A significant percentage of nephropathic cystinosis patients exhibit photic induced sneezing.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting cystine accumulation and this neurological reflex.