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Alstrom syndrome

Alström syndrome

Alström syndrome is a very rare disease. It is passed down through families (inherited). This disease can lead to blindness, deafness, diabetes, and obesity.

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Causes

Alström syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. This means both of your parents must pass on a copy of the variant gene (ALMS1) in order for you to have this disease.

It is unknown how the variant gene causes the disorder.

The condition is very rare.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of this condition are:

• Blindness or severe vision impairment in infancy
• Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)
• Deafness
• Impaired heart function (cardiomyopathy), which may lead to heart failure
• Obesity
• Progressive kidney failure
• Slowed growth
• Symptoms of childhood-onset or type 2 diabetes

Occasionally, the following can also occur:

• Gastrointestinal reflux
• Hypothyroidism
• Liver dysfunction
• Small penis

Exams and Tests

An eye doctor (ophthalmologist) will examine the eyes. The person may have reduced vision.

Tests may be done to check:

• Blood sugar levels (to diagnose high blood sugar or hyperglycemia)
• Hearing
• Heart function
• Thyroid function
• Triglyceride levels

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for this syndrome. Treatment for symptoms may include:

• Diabetes medicine
• Hearing aids
• Heart medicine
• Thyroid hormone replacement

Support Groups

Alström Syndrome International -- www.alstrom.org

Outlook (Prognosis)

The following are likely to develop:

• Deafness
• Permanent blindness
• Type 2 diabetes

Kidney and liver failure may get worse.

Possible Complications

Possible complications are:

• Complications from diabetes
• Coronary artery disease (from diabetes and high cholesterol)
• Fatigue and shortness of breath (if poor heart function is not treated)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of diabetes. Common symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst and urination. Seek medical attention right away if you think that your child cannot see or hear normally.

Related Information

References

Dollfus H. Genetic syndromes associated with obesity. In: Loyns CJ, Lambert SR, eds. Taylor and Hoyt's Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 46.

Haddad J. Hearing loss. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 677.

O'Rahilly S, Farooqi IS. Genetic syndromes associated with obesity. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 21.

Torres VE, Harris PC. Cystic diseases of the kidney. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 45.

Review Date: 7/16/2024  

Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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