Krabbe disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects one out of every 100,000 people in the United States, reports the Mayo Clinic. The condition causes a variety of symptoms and most people with the disease die before the age of 2, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Cause

The symptoms of Krabbe disease occur when patients are unable to make a chemical known as galactocerebroside beta-galactosidase. Without this chemical, the body is not able to form the substance used to protect and insulate nerve cells, which results in the symptoms.

Time Frame

Early-onset Krabbe disease causes symptoms during the first few months of life, reports the Mayo Clinic. Late-onset occurs after infancy and may develop as late as adolescence.

Types of Symptoms

Symptoms of early-onset Krabbe disease include feeding problems, unexplained crying, inability to support the head, fevers, vomiting, irritability, muscle stiffness, lack of coordination, seizures, muscle spasms and slow loss of hearing or hearing, according to the Mayo Clinic. Late-onset Krabbe usually begins with loss of sight, difficulty walking and lack of manual dexterity.

Complications

Some children with Krabbe disease develop respiratory infections or problems that may cause shortness of breath and wheezing.

Advanced

As the disease progresses, children often become incapacitated and unable to get up from bed. They eventually become unresponsive or comatose, explains the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Krabbe Disease

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Krabbe Disease