Premium
Pearson marrow pancreas syndrome: a molecular study and clinical management
Author(s) -
Seneca Sara,
Meirleir Linda De,
Scbepper Jean De,
Balduck Nadine,
Jochmans Kristin,
Liebaers Inge,
Lissens Willy
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
clinical genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.543
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1399-0004
pISSN - 0009-9163
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-0004.1997.tb02484.x
Subject(s) - pancreas , medicine
Human mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) lesions can cause a heterogeneous group of mitochondrial degenerative disorders. We report on a 5‐year‐old patient suffering from the full‐blown picture of Pearson syndrome. His symptoms started in the first year of life with failure to thrive, followed by chronic diarrhoea and lactic acidosis at 18 months of age. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA revealed large amounts of mt DNA molecules with a 2.7 kb deletion in all tissues examined. The diagnosis of Pearson syndrome was made initially in the absence of haematological disturbances. In the following months neutropenia, sideroblastic anaemia and hypoparathyroidism developed. Daily administration of dichloroacetate (DCA) and bicarbonate controls the lactic acidosis, while episodic treatments with filgastrim (Neupogen®) reverse episodes of severe neutropenia. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation compensate for the hypoparathyroidism. Chronic administration of DCA and supportive treatment for a long period help to stabilize patients with multiorgan dysfunction.