Correct Syndrome: Symptoms And Treatment

Among the huge variaton of diseases and disorders that can affect humans, there is a  category of rare diseases. These are conditions that affect five or fewer people out of every 10,000 people. One of these is Rett syndrome.

Hand wash syndrome

Correct syndrome is a genetic disorder that can affect the nervous system.  It is sometimes called the washbasin syndrome. This is because people who suffer from this often make repetitive, involuntary movements, such as washing their hands.

As with the majority of rare diseases,  a diagnosis can be made slowly. Correct syndrome is easily confused with autism, developmental delay or spastic paralysis, which can lead to treatment delay.

Straight syndrome generally affects girls and women  as it is due to a gene found on the X chromosome. When it occurs in boys, it is usually fatal within a few days of birth.

The Austrian doctor, Andreas Rett, described this pathology after studying 22 girls who exhibited the same hand-washing movement.

Symptoms of Correct Syndrome

Throughout the first few months of life, babies with Rett syndrome will show no signs of abnormalities. After the age of 6 months, developmental delays may occur and infants may lose abilities that they have learned.

Girls with Rett syndrome have low muscle tone, and tend to avoid eye contact. They can be slow to learn to speak.

They often show the symptom that Dr. Correctly observed: the repetitive hand washing movement. These children may also suffer from seizures and changes in their breathing, especially after they have just woken up.

Correct syndrome is also associated with  delayed growth and limited motor function. In infants, it can cause irritability, uncontrolled crying and excessive salivation. Babies, with this condition, often have an abnormal sleep pattern. Their heart rate may also be affected.

Due to changes in the autonomic nervous system,  girls with Rett syndrome can often have difficulty chewing, swallowing and digesting food. They can grind their teeth, and move their tongue involuntarily. They also suffer from stomach pain, constipation, gallstones and reflux of stomach acid.

Three out of four girls with this syndrome, suffer from scoliosis or curvature of the spine. When they walk, their gait is inflexible and insecure, often on their toes. Due to the circulatory problems associated with the syndrome, their hands become easily cold and turn blue.

Treatment of Rett syndrome

Since Rett syndrome is incurable, the  goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms. It is a progressive disorder that gets worse with time. However, treatments can improve the quality of life of people suffering from the syndrome.

An interdisciplinary team should perform the treatment as the symptoms of the disorder affect various systems around the body. 

Neurologists, pediatricians, psychologists, speech therapists, and physiotherapists may be needed, among other professions.

The treatment of Rett syndrome requires both medication and therapy. The treatment strives to reduce motor problems and relieve stiffness in the muscles. Specialists can also help overcome communication problems associated with the syndrome and reduce anxiety.

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Studies using certain drugs, such as levodopa, bromocriptine and naltrexone, have shown some positive results. These medications have reduced symptoms such as stomach acid reflux, irritability, hand movements and breathing problems.

However, the effects of medication on this condition are not permanent. The complications of Rett syndrome require sustained medical attention throughout the patient’s life.

Additional medications, such as antacids, laxatives, medications for epilepsy and arrhythmia, may be needed, as well as supplements of vitamin D, calcium and more.

Diet is also an important factor in controlling the symptoms of Rett syndrome. Patients may need a diet high in calories and fat to promote growth and weight gain.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct problems that arise due to scoliosis and reflux of stomach acid. 

Prognosis of Correct Syndrome

The life expectancy, in people with this pathology, is between 40 and 50 years. However, studies, according to this syndrome, are still ongoing. Researchers are working to develop therapies that relieve symptoms and to develop better methods of diagnosis.