Hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia


=Hereditary Ceruloplasmin Deficiency = Hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the absence or malfunction of ceruloplasmin, a protein that plays a crucial role in iron metabolism. This condition leads to iron accumulation in various tissues, resulting in neurological and systemic symptoms.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Ceruloplasmin is a copper-binding glycoprotein that facilitates the transport of iron in the blood. It acts as a ferroxidase, converting ferrous iron (Fe__) to ferric iron (Fe__), which can then be bound by transferrin for transport. In hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency, mutations in the CP gene lead to a lack of functional ceruloplasmin, disrupting iron homeostasis and causing iron to accumulate in the brain, liver, pancreas, and other organs.

Clinical Features[edit | edit source]

Patients with hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency typically present with a combination of neurological and systemic symptoms. Common neurological manifestations include:

  • Ataxia
  • Dystonia
  • Tremors
  • Cognitive decline

Systemic symptoms may include:

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Retinal degeneration
  • Anemia

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and genetic analysis. Key diagnostic criteria include:

  • Low or absent serum ceruloplasmin levels
  • Elevated serum ferritin
  • Genetic testing confirming mutations in the CP gene

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Currently, there is no cure for hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Therapeutic strategies may include:

  • Iron chelation therapy to reduce iron overload
  • Antioxidant therapy to mitigate oxidative stress
  • Symptomatic treatment for neurological and systemic manifestations

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency varies depending on the severity of symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to improving outcomes and quality of life.

See Also[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]

Hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency is a rare disease.

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD