Kearns-Sayre syndrome presenting as isolated growth failure
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Published on: November 4, 2025
Conisha Mone Holloman1, Lynne A Wolfe, William A Gahl
1Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Office of the Director and NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Insights
Pediatric failure to thrive can stem from energy metabolism defects, like mitochondrial diseases. One case highlights Kearns-Sayre syndrome presenting initially as isolated growth failure, underscoring diagnostic challenges in metabolic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Mitochondrial Medicine
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Failure to thrive (FTT) is a complex pediatric condition with diverse causes.
- Defects in energy metabolism, including mitochondrial diseases, are recognized contributors to FTT.
- Early diagnosis of metabolic disorders is crucial for effective management.
Abstract:
Failure to thrive arises from a heterogeneous group of paediatric disorders including defects in energy metabolism such as mitochondrial diseases. Illustrating this, we describe a girl with poor growth who eluded diagnosis until she developed characteristics of Kearns-Sayre syndrome. Her history emphasises that defects of energy metabolism can present as isolated growth failure.
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