Perry syndrome
Alternate names[edit | edit source]
Parkinsonism with alveolar hypoventilation and mental depression
Definition[edit | edit source]
A rare inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by rapidly progressive early-onset parkinsonism, central hypoventilation, weight loss, insomnia and depression.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
The prevalence is unknown. It has been described in 53 cases from 11 families to date in Canada, U.S., U.K., France, Turkey and Japan.
Cause[edit | edit source]
Perry syndrome is caused by mutations (five identified to date) in exon 2 of the' dynactin DCTN1 gene' coding for p150glued, the major subunit of the dynactin protein complex.
Gene mutations[edit | edit source]
- Mutations in this gene alter the binding affinity of dynactin for microtubules and consequently this leads to the impairment of this important transport protein.
- Nigral neurons seem to be more affected by the dysfunction of this protein, explaining their increased cell death and the distinct pathology seen in Perry syndrome.
Inheritance[edit | edit source]
Perry syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with full penetrance and children of a parent with the disease have a 50% chance of also having the mutation and developing the disease. Pre-symptomatic diagnosis can be offered to at-risk individuals.
Onset[edit | edit source]
Perry syndrome has a mean age of onset of 48 years (range 35-61)
Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]
- This condition is presents with parkinsonism (akinetic-rigid and rather symmetric), psychiatric changes manifesting as depression, lethargy, withdrawal, apathy, and changes in character, as well as sleep difficulties.
- The usual duration of Perry syndrome is about 5 years, with severe weight loss and central hypoventilation being seen late in the disease course.
- Marked autonomic dysfunction was reported in one family from Japan.
- Patients are often bedridden or wheelchair bound as motor impairment may be severe at a later stage of the disease.
Clinical presentation[edit | edit source]
For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed.
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
- Apathy(Lack of feeling, emotion, interest)
- Central hypoventilation
- Depressivity(Depression)
- Parkinsonism
- Sleep disturbance(Difficulty sleeping)
- Tremor
- Weight loss
5%-29% of people have these symptoms
- Dementia(Dementia, progressive)
- Hypotension(Low blood pressure)
- Personality changes(Personality change)
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
- Diagnosis is based on clinical findings of early-onset parkinsonism combined with depression, weight loss and hypoventilation and is confirmed by a molecular genetic test finding a mutation in the DCTN1 gene.
- Major histological findings consist of neuronal loss and TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43)-positive pathology in the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus, without Lewy bodies.
- Sleep studies should be performed to detect hypoventilation.
Antenatal diagnosis Antenatal diagnosis is possible in laboratories that offer custom prenatal testing for families with a known DCTN1 mutation.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
- There is no cure for Perry syndrome.
- Symptomatic treatment requires a multidisciplinary team.
- Dopaminergic therapy is given to patients to help with parkinsonism, usually using levodopa / carbidopa.
- Response to levodopa can be erratic or absent but large doses (>2g) have been successful in reducing symptoms in several patients.
- Patients with hypoventilation require ventilator support (invasive or non-invasive), particularly at night.
- Respiratory function should be monitored continuously.
- Psychiatric follow-up along with antidepressant drugs are needed to manage depression and prevent suicide.
- Weight should be monitored and a high caloric diet should be implemented when weight loss is present.
- With worsening symptoms hospitalization and major medical assistance is often required.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
- Perry syndrome progresses rapidly and the prognosis is poor.
- Death is due to respiratory insufficiency or suicide or, in some cases, can be sudden and unexplained.
- Ventilation assistance may prolong survival with an acceptable quality of life.
NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]
Perry syndrome is a rare disease.
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