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Krabbe Disease Synonym(s): Reviewed 11-01-2001 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Krabbé Disease?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations What is Krabbé Disease? Krabbé disease is a rare, degenerative disorder of the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is one of a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies that affect the growth of the myelin sheath, the fatty covering-which acts as an insulator-on nerve fibers in the brain. Symptoms vary in prevalence and severity among patients and may include loss of previously attained developmental skills, unexplained fevers, irritability, myoclonic seizures (sudden, shock-like contractions of the limbs), blindness, spasticity (stiffness of the limbs), and paralysis. Prolonged weight loss may occur also. Onset of the disorder generally occurs at 3 to 6 months of age, but juvenile and even adult-onset patients are known. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association
United Leukodystrophy Foundation
Hunter's Hope Foundation
[A Leukodystrophy Resource]
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
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