Do lipid storage disorders affect children differently than adults?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Because they are genetically inherited, lipid storage disorders are present from birth. This means that in most cases their symptoms, side effects, and complications appear during childhood. Many lipid storage disorders drastically decrease life expectancy, and for this reason children deal with lipid storage disorders much more than adults. However, there are types of lipid storage disorders that do not appear until adulthood like cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, which often does not produce disabling symptoms until after the age of 30.

Continue Learning about Lipid Storage Disorder

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Since lipid storage disorders have no cure, they never disappear once they develop. Also, because th...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

There are numerous support organizations and web sites for people who have lipid storage disorders, ...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

In general, lipid storage disorders are uncommon. For example, the most common lipid storage disorde...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Lipid storage disorders can run in families depending on how the gene for the disorder is passed alo...

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Lipid Storage Disorder

A rare group of diseases, lipid storage disorders cause the body to store excessive amounts of fatty substances. When these fatty substances, called lipids, dont break down properly, you may have permanent damage to cells and tissues in your organs, bone marrow and nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. Often passed from parent to child, a genetic mutation interferes with our bodys enzymes. The enzymes job is to metabolize, or convert, the lipids into smaller units so they can be used for energy. However, with these disorders, the mutation causes us to produce either no enzymes or abnormal ones. The most common lipid storage disorder is Gaucher disease, which often affects those of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Excess lipids can enlarge the spleen and cause liver malfunction, bones lesions and severe brain damage.

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