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Ataxia - telangiectasia - Treatment

Alternative Names

Louis-Bar syndrome

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for ataxia-telangiectasia. Treatment is directed at specific symptoms.

Support Groups:

Ataxia Telangiectasia Children's Project - www.atcp.org

National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) - www.ataxia.org

Expectations (prognosis):

Early death is common, but life expectancy varies.

Because persons with this condition are very sensitive to radiation, they should never be given radiation therapy, and no unnecessary x-rays should be done.

Complications:

Cancer such as lymphoma
Diabetes
Kyphosis
Progressive movement disorder that leads to wheelchair use
Scoliosis
Severe, recurrent lung infections

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your child develops symptoms of this disorder.

Antibodies

Reviewed last on: 8/4/2011
Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Winston-Salem, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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