Krabbe disease is a rare kind of genetic disorder of the nervous system that leads to death among infants before the age of two years. The main cause of this disease is genetic mutation, a permanent change in DNA sequence that constitutes a certain gene. The gene is most found on chromosome 14. The abnormal gene is generally inherited by a child from both parents to develop this disease.
Krabbe’s disease presents differently depending on the age of onset. The earlier it appears, particularly in infancy, the faster and more severe its progression. In contrast, symptoms in older children or adolescents tend to be milder but still significantly impact quality of life.
Infants with early-onset Krabbe disease may show signs such as:
Neurological involvement often leads to muscle-related symptoms, including spastic contractions in the legs, knees, hips, toes, and fingers. Peripheral neuropathy further affects physical development and includes:
Late onset of Krabbe disease prevails among older children and adolescents. The symptoms include:
Your healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination to diagnose symptoms of Krabbe disease. A blood sample is collected and sent to a laboratory for further analysis. A blood test or skin biopsy is analysed to measure the activity of the GALC enzyme. Very low or absent GALC enzyme activity is a key indicator for Krabbe disease.
Furthermore, here are some other tests performed to confirm the diagnosis of this disease:
Palliative and supportive care are the most effective approaches for treating Krabbe disease of the infantile form. For carefully selected individuals with late-onset Krabbe disease who are asymptomatic or show very minimal symptoms, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may be considered. The goal of HSCT is to halt the progression of the disease, but it cannot reverse existing neurological damage. It is not a treatment option for symptomatic infantile-onset cases. This transplantation brings stability to the progression of the disease and extends the lifespan considerably of the treated individual.
HSCT, which utilizes stem cells from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood, is the specific intervention used.
Krabbe disease in general is life-threatening if left untreated. It mainly causes damage to an individual's central nervous system. However, some other complications of this disease include:
Krabbe disease usually develops in infants but can also appear later in life. There is no permanent cure for this disease yet, but with early diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can be managed. Proper consultation with healthcare professionals can also slow down the progression of the disease. Genetic counselling is a primary factor for families affected by Krabbe's disease.
To ensure your child receives the best possible care, seek help from professionals with adequate knowledge about the condition.