Aceruloplasminemia

Patients with aceruloplasminemia develop a variety of movement problems. They may experience dystonia of the head and neck, resulting in repetitive movements and contortions. Other involuntary movements may also occur, such as tremors, chorea, blepharospasms, and grimacing. Affected individuals may also experience ataxia, the lack of coordination of muscle movements. Some develop psychiatric problems and midlife dementia. In addition to neurological problems, affected individuals may have diabetes mellitus caused by iron damage to cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This impairs blood sugar regulation and leads to the signs and symptoms of diabetes. Iron accumulation in the tissues and organs results in a corresponding iron deficiency in the blood, leading to anemia. Anemia and diabetes usually occur by the time an affected person is in his or her twenties. Affected individuals also experience retinal degeneration caused by excess iron. The changes result in small opaque spots and areas of atrophy around the edges of the retina. These abnormalities usually do not affect vision but can be observed during an eye examination. == Cause ==

. Aceruloplasminemia is caused by a mutation (a five-base pair insertion in exon 7 This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene have the mutation. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. ==Diagnosis==

Diagnosis of this disorder depends on blood tests demonstrating the absence of serum ceruloplasmin, combined with low serum copper concentration, low serum iron concentration, high serum ferritin concentration, or increased hepatic iron concentration. MRI scans can also confirm a diagnosis; abnormal low intensities can indicate iron accumulation in the brain. == Prevention ==

Children of affected individuals are obligate carriers for aceruloplasminemia. If the CP mutations has been identified in a related individual, prenatal testing is recommended. Siblings of those affected by the disease are at a 25% risk of aceruloplasminemia. In asymptomatic siblings, serum concentrations of hemoglobin and hemoglobin A1c should be monitored. To prevent the progression of symptoms of the disease, annual glucose tolerance tests beginning in early teen years to evaluate the onset of diabetes mellitus. Those at risk should avoid taking iron supplements. == Treatment ==

Treatment includes the use of iron chelating agents (such as desferrioxamine) to lower brain and liver iron stores, and to prevent progression of neurologic symptoms. This, combined with fresh-frozen human plasma (FFP) works effectively in decreasing liver iron content. Repetitive use of FFP can even improve neurologic symptoms. Antioxidants such as vitamin E can be used simultaneously to prevent tissue damage to the liver and pancreas. ==See also==