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Leber Congenital Amaurosis 13

Disease Details

Family Health Simplified

Description
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a form of Leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited retinal dystrophy leading to severe vision loss at an early age, caused by mutations in the RDH12 gene.
Type
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is an autosomal recessive disorder.
Signs And Symptoms
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a rare genetic disorder affecting the retina, leading to vision loss at an early age.

**Signs and Symptoms:**
1. Severe visual impairment or blindness from infancy
2. Photophobia (light sensitivity)
3. Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements)
4. Poor pupillary light reflexes
5. Hyperopia (farsightedness)
6. Slow or no pupillary response to light
7. Abnormal eye movements or tracking

These symptoms are primarily associated with the retinal dysfunction caused by the mutations linked to LCA13. Early diagnosis and genetic counseling are crucial for managing the condition.
Prognosis
Leber Congenital Amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a rare genetic disorder primarily affecting the retina, leading to severe visual impairment from infancy. The prognosis for individuals with LCA13 generally involves significant vision loss early in life. The progression of vision loss can vary, but most individuals remain legally blind. Due to the genetic nature of the condition, there are ongoing research efforts focused on gene therapy as a potential treatment.
Onset
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) typically has an onset at birth or within the first few months of life.
Prevalence
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a rare genetic disorder, and its exact prevalence is not well-documented. In general, Leber congenital amaurosis as a group of disorders is estimated to affect 2 to 3 per 100,000 newborns. The prevalence of each specific subtype, including LCA13, tends to be lower and can vary based on geographic and population-specific factors.
Epidemiology
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a rare genetic disorder that affects vision. It is part of a group of conditions collectively referred to as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), characterized by severe visual impairment from birth. The epidemiology of LCA13, specifically, remains not well-defined due to its rarity. Collectively, LCA affects approximately 2-3 per 100,000 live births. LCA13 is one of several genetic subtypes, each caused by mutations in different genes. However, the exact prevalence of LCA13 alone is not well-documented.
Intractability
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13), like other forms of Leber congenital amaurosis, is generally considered intractable as it leads to severe vision loss or blindness from a very young age. Currently, there is no definitive cure. However, research is ongoing, and some gene therapy approaches are being explored to potentially treat specific genetic mutations associated with LCA.
Disease Severity
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a severe inherited retinal dystrophy that typically presents in infancy. It leads to severe visual impairment or blindness due to the degeneration or dysfunction of the retinal photoreceptor cells.
Healthcare Professionals
Disease Ontology ID - DOID:0110330
Pathophysiology
Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) 13 is a subtype of LCA, a genetic disorder leading to severe vision loss at birth or in early infancy. The pathophysiology of LCA13 involves mutations in the RDH12 gene, which encodes an enzyme critical for the visual cycle in the retina. This enzyme is responsible for the reduction of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol. Mutations in RDH12 disrupt retinal metabolism, resulting in the accumulation of toxic byproducts and leading to the degeneration of photoreceptors and severe retinal dystrophy. The non-applicable element you mentioned ("nan") might indicate no additional information or might be a data artifact.
Carrier Status
Carrier status for Leber Congenital Amaurosis 13 (LCA13) refers to individuals who carry one copy of the mutated gene but do not exhibit symptoms of the disease. LCA13 typically follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, meaning that an individual must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to manifest the disease. Carriers, with only one mutated gene and one normal gene, generally do not show symptoms but have a 50% chance of passing the mutated gene to their offspring.
Mechanism
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a genetic disorder affecting vision. The mechanism involves mutations in the RDH12 gene, which encodes retinol dehydrogenase 12, an enzyme crucial for the visual cycle in photoreceptor cells.

Molecular mechanisms:
1. RDH12 Function: RDH12 normally converts all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol in the retina, helping regenerate the visual pigment.
2. Mutation Impact: Mutations in RDH12 reduce enzyme activity or stability, leading to the accumulation of toxic retinal byproducts.
3. Photoreceptor Degeneration: The buildup of these toxic byproducts damages photoreceptor cells, resulting in early-onset, progressive vision loss typical of LCA13.
Treatment
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a genetic disorder leading to severe vision loss at an early age. Currently, there is no definitive cure for LCA13, but treatment approaches focus on supportive care and symptom management, which may include:

1. **Vision Aids**: The use of low vision aids and devices to maximize remaining vision.
2. **Educational Support**: Special education services to support learning and development.
3. **Genetic Counseling**: Counseling for affected individuals and their families to understand the condition and its implications.

Research on gene therapy and other advanced treatments is ongoing, offering hope for future potential therapies.
Compassionate Use Treatment
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a subtype of Leber congenital amaurosis, a genetic disorder that leads to severe vision loss at an early age. Experimental treatments and compassionate use approaches for LCA13 (which is linked to mutations in the RDH12 gene) may include the following:

1. **Gene Therapy:** Research is ongoing to develop gene therapy techniques that might correct the defective RDH12 gene. While not yet widely available, clinical trials are investigating the safety and efficacy of such treatments.

2. **Pharmacological Interventions:** Scientists are exploring small molecules and other drugs that could potentially improve or stabilize retinal function in LCA13 patients. These might be used off-label if shown to have a beneficial effect in related retinal dystrophies.

3. **Retinal Prostheses:** Though still experimental, retinal implants and prostheses are being developed to provide some degree of visual aid to individuals with severe retinal degeneration, including those with LCA.

4. **CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing:** This advanced technique is being investigated in various inherited retinal diseases, including LCA, to directly edit and correct genetic mutations responsible for the disorder.

It's crucial for patients to discuss these options with their healthcare providers, as availability and suitability of treatments can vary.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a hereditary retinal disorder leading to severe visual impairment from birth. While there is no cure, certain lifestyle recommendations can help manage the condition:

1. **Regular Eye Check-ups**: Frequent consultations with an ophthalmologist can monitor any changes and assess the progression.

2. **Low Vision Aids**: Utilization of devices such as magnifying glasses, specialized software, and other assistive technologies can enhance daily functioning.

3. **Safe Environment**: Ensuring that the living space is safe and clutter-free to prevent accidents can be beneficial.

4. **Healthy Diet**: A balanced diet can support overall health and well-being, although it won't directly affect the condition.

5. **Support Systems**: Engaging with support groups and counseling services can provide emotional and social support.

6. **Educational Support**: Customized educational plans and resources can assist in academic and social development.

7. **Physical Activity**: Encouraging regular physical activity appropriate to the individual's abilities can promote general health.

It is important to consult healthcare providers to tailor these recommendations to individual needs.
Medication
Leber Congenital Amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a rare genetic disorder affecting vision. As of now, there is no specific medication approved for LCA13. Treatment typically focuses on supportive care, including low-vision aids, occupational therapy, and potentially experimental gene therapies in clinical trials.
Repurposable Drugs
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a genetic condition that primarily affects vision. As of now, there are no specific drugs that are officially approved for repurposing to treat LCA13. Treatment options are generally supportive and focus on managing the symptoms associated with the disease. Research into gene therapy and other potential treatment modalities is ongoing. Always consult healthcare professionals for the most current treatment options and advice.
Metabolites
Leber Congenital Amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is commonly associated with mutations in the RDH12 gene. RDH12 encodes an enzyme involved in the visual cycle, specifically in the metabolism of retinoids. Key metabolites impacted include all-trans-retinol and all-trans-retinal, which are crucial for visual function. Deficiency in RDH12 activity can lead to the accumulation of toxic retinal metabolites, contributing to retinal degeneration and vision loss characteristic of LCA13.
Nutraceuticals
For Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13), there is currently no established treatment involving nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals generally refer to food-derived products that are purported to offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, but their role in managing genetic conditions like LCA13 is unclear and unproven. Treatments for LCA13 would more likely focus on gene therapy, supportive care, and monitoring by healthcare professionals. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Peptides
Leber congenital amaurosis 13 (LCA13) is a rare genetic disorder that affects vision. It is caused by mutations in the RDH12 gene. The involvement of peptides in LCA13 specifically is not well-documented or characterized in current scientific literature. Generally, the focus is more on the gene mutations and their impact on retinal function, rather than on peptides directly. If you have specific questions about peptides in another context or related to LCA13, further information would be helpful.