Zellweger Syndrome (ZWS) is caused by an autosomal recessive-inherited genetic mutation that manifests into severe systematic neurologic anomalies. The condition is defined by malformation of craniofacial bone structures, liver insufficiency, and the absence of biochemical peroxisomal components at the cellular level.
Presentation
Bowen, et al., were the first to describe Zellweger syndrome in 1964. Later on came two proponents, Passarge and McAdams, who coined the name cerebrohepatorenal syndrome by using the triad of organs involved. ZWS is recognized today as the main prototype of the peroxisome biogenesis disorder group [15].
Onset of disease occurs most often in the neonatal period. During this time, organ malformations are comprised of those that developed in utero and those that subsequently develop through the disease process, as a result of the disorder of peroxisome biogenesis.
ZWS causes multiple fetal anomalies dominated by malformed craniofacial features, where the physician can inspect macrocephaly or microcephaly, a high or widened forehead, an enlarged anterior fontanel, and hypoplastic ridges in the supraorbital area, abnormally broadened nasal bridge, micrognathia, abnormal ear lobe shapes, and extra folds of nuchal skin.
The neurologic system damage is comprised of serious psychomotor degradation, profound hypotonic muscles with poor deep tendon reflexes (DTRs), seizures in neonates, and impaired auditory functioning. Other manifestations include cerebral anomalies like cortical dysplasia, pachygyria, and also neuronal heterotopia. Physiological regression and other changes that result from continuous cell death and storage will eventually be observed. In PBDs, it is apparent that dysmyelination is prominently more evident than mass demyelination.
Along with the craniofacial abnormalities mentioned above, other skeletal conditions may also exist as in the case of chondrodysplasia punctata, a deformation commonly affecting the patellar and hip bones. Renal cysts in the subcortical area may be frequently diagnosed.
Multisystem organ failure soon develops into liver insufficiency and then to hepatomegaly, causing jaundice, that later complicates into coagulopathy. Possible eye problems that may be encountered are cataract, glaucoma, cases of pigment retinopathy, reports of nystagmus, clouding in the corneal layer and optic nerve atrophy. Because of these, visual changes are progressively developed and visual loss may be imminent. ZWS may involve sensorineural hearing loss. For genital involvement, cryptorchidism and hypospadias may be evident in male, and clitoromegaly in females.
Entire Body System
- Single Transverse Palmar Crease
transverse palmar crease 0000954 Subependymal cysts 0002416 Talipes equinovarus Club feet Club foot Clubfeet Clubfoot [ more ] 0001762 Ulnar deviation of the hand 0009487 Ulnar deviation of the hand or of fingers of the hand 0001193 Widely patent fontanelles [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
transverse palmar crease, and bilateral reducible talipes equinovarus were reported. [frontiersin.org]
Gastrointestinal
- Failure to Thrive
Vitamin A deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nonhealing corneal ulcers in children, especially those with systemic syndromes and failure to thrive. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Childhood presentation Developmental delay, failure to thrive, eye and hearing abnormalities including varying levels of hepatic dysfunction, adrenal insufficiency, and renal calcium oxalate stones. [eurorad.org]
Liver, Gall & Pancreas
- Hepatomegaly
Hepatic fibrosis, hepatomegaly. Cardiac defects. IUGR. High bulging foreheads (dolichoturricephaly). Hypertelorism. Cataracts. Clubfoot. [fetalultrasound.com]
Liver disease was evident from hepatomegaly and elevated serum liver enzymes and bilirubin. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Zellweger syndrome [ zel´weg-er ] an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism characterized by a prominent forehead, large anterior fontanelle, poor muscle tone, hepatomegaly, polycystic kidneys, jaundice, and often calcifications in the cartilaginous [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
- Liver Dysfunction
Liver dysfunction may be evident as neonatal jaundice and elevation in liver function tests. Distinctive craniofacial features include flattened facies, large anterior fontanelle, widely split sutures, and broad nasal bridge. [path.upmc.edu]
It is characterized by severe hypotonia, failure to thrive, psychomotor retardation, liver dysfunction, and sensorineural hearing impairment. Most of the patients with this disease die before the age of 1 year. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The main differential diagnoses include Usher syndrome I and II and other disorders PBD-ZSS, individual enzyme defects in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids in peroxisomes and disorders with severe hypotonia, neonatal seizures, liver dysfunction or leukodystrophy [tellmegen.com]
- Liver Fibrosis
In one female infant, although the clinical findings were similar to those in Zellweger syndrome, some findings, such as elevated transaminase levels, liver fibrosis, the absence of renal cortical cysts and colpocephaly, were negative or milder. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
fibrosis, death in early infancy Zellweger, Hans U., U.S. pediatrician, 1909-1990. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
The most common pathological anomalies found in ZWS are cholestasis, liver fibrosis, and the presence of cysts in the kidneys. [symptoma.com]
Ears
- Hearing Impairment
It is characterized by severe hypotonia, failure to thrive, psychomotor retardation, liver dysfunction, and sensorineural hearing impairment. Most of the patients with this disease die before the age of 1 year. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Furthermore, Zellweger syndrome causes hearing impairment, profound mental retardation and developmental delay. Treatment for Zellweger Syndrome The cure for Zellweger syndrome does not exist. [ic.steadyhealth.com]
Apart from it, the hearing impairment can also be observed among the sufferrer. However, the impact varies from mild impairment to total deafness. [syndromespedia.com]
80%-99% of people have these symptoms Cognitive impairment Abnormality of cognition Cognitive abnormality Cognitive defects Cognitive deficits Intellectual impairment Mental impairment [ more ] 0100543 Corneal opacity 0007957 Death in infancy Infantile [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
Eyes
- Corneal Opacity
Ocular findings include cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy pigmentosa, nystagmus, corneal opacity and optic nerve atrophy. Visual changes and losses are progressive. There may be sensorineural hearing loss. [tellmegen.com]
80%-99% of people have these symptoms Cognitive impairment Abnormality of cognition Cognitive abnormality Cognitive defects Cognitive deficits Intellectual impairment Mental impairment [ more ] 0100543 Corneal opacity 0007957 Death in infancy Infantile [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
A variety of eye abnormalities may occur including eyes that are spaced widely apart (hypertelorism), clouding of the lenses of the eyes (cataracts) or the clear (transparent) outer layer of the eye (corneal opacities), degeneration of the nerve that [rarediseases.org]
Musculoskeletal
- Muscle Hypotonia
The mitochondrial myopathy thereby induced allows a better understanding of general muscle hypotonia, one of the leading symptoms of this disorder. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Zellweger syndrome is typically seen in the neonatal period with features such as dysmorphic skull; MUSCLE HYPOTONIA ; SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS ; visual compromise; SEIZURES ; progressive degeneration of the KIDNEYS and the LIVER. [hon.ch]
Zellweger syndrome is typically seen in the neonatal period with features such as dysmorphic skull; muscle hypotonia; sensorineural hearing loss; visual compromise; seizures; progressive degeneration of the kidneys and the liver. [icd10data.com]
They lack muscle tone (hypotonia), and are often blind or deaf. They have a distinctive facial appearance, an enlarged liver, and may have cysts in their kidneys. [encyclopedia.com]
- Dolichocephaly
Cerebrohepatorenal syndrome An AR disease characterized by defective peroxisomes, due to inability to import matrix proteins Clinical Profound neurologic impairment–seizures, flaccidity, metabolic dysfunction, hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage calcification, dolichocephaly [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
- Foot Deformity
deformities and bone immaturity, facial dysmorphia, cataracts, contractures, renal cortical cysts, liver fibrosis, death in early infancy Zellweger, Hans U., U.S. pediatrician, 1909-1990. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
Psychiatrical
- Psychomotor Retardation
Here, we report the first case of a Japanese patient with a PEX14 mutation who showed severe hypotonia, psychomotor retardation, demyelination, and developed rickets at the age of 5 months. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
retardation; there is a perturbation in peroxisomal biogenesis; autosomal recessive inheritance, caused by mutation in any one of several peroxin ( PEX ) genes on chromosome 6, 7, 8, or 12. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
Face, Head & Neck
- Large Fontanel
The literature survey did provide criteria for classic Zellweger syndrome, which include hypotonia with or without deformation of limbs, large fontanels and split sutures, prominent forehead, flattened facial profile with hypoplastic supraorbital ridges [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Most infants have a peculiar craniofacial dysmorphology with frontal bossing, large fontanels, and wide set eyes. Pipecolic acid levels are low in serum and absent in the CSF. Most infants do not survive beyond 6 months of age. [disorders.eyes.arizona.edu]
- Large Anterior Fontanels
Newborns dysmorphic craniofacial features (flattened facies, large anterior fontanelle, open sutures, high and prominent forehead, flattened occiput, upward slanting palpebral fissures, epicanthal folds, broad nasal bridge, deep hypotonia and seizures [tellmegen.com]
Zellweger syndrome [ zel´weg-er ] an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism characterized by a prominent forehead, large anterior fontanelle, poor muscle tone, hepatomegaly, polycystic kidneys, jaundice, and often calcifications in the cartilaginous [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
Infants present with characteristic dysmorphic craniofacial features (flattened facies, large anterior fontanel, split sutures, prominent high forehead, flattened occiput, upslanting palpebral fissures, epicanthal folds, and broad nasal bridge), profound [orpha.net]
It affects many parts of the body, including: Head and Face: Enlarged head; high forehead; large anterior fontanelle ("soft spot"); malformed earlobes; flat-looking face Brain and Nervous System: Abnormal brain development leading to seizures; hearing [verywellhealth.com]
- Frontal Bossing
Keywords Phytanic Acid Dihydroxyacetone Phosphate Zellweger Syndrome Ocular Finding Frontal Boss These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. [link.springer.com]
Most infants have a peculiar craniofacial dysmorphology with frontal bossing, large fontanels, and wide set eyes. Pipecolic acid levels are low in serum and absent in the CSF. Most infants do not survive beyond 6 months of age. [disorders.eyes.arizona.edu]
Patients with Lowe’s syndrome often exhibit typical facial determinants such as deep-set eyes, frontal bossing, chubby cheeks, as well as a fair complexion with a blonde hair. [news-medical.net]
On exam, there is bilateral shortening of the proximal long bones (humerus > femur) and a typical facial dysmorphism with frontal bossing, depressed nasal bridge, small nose and hypoplastic midface ( Figure 3 ). Figure 3. [clinicaladvisor.com]
- Round Face
face Circular face Round facial appearance Round facial shape [ more ] 0000311 Single transverse palmar crease 0000954 Subependymal cysts 0002416 Talipes equinovarus Club feet Club foot Clubfeet Clubfoot [ more ] 0001762 Ulnar deviation of the hand 0009487 [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
Onset
- Neonatal Onset
Zell·we·ger syn·drome ( zel'weg-ĕr ), a metabolic disorder with neonatal onset, characterized by distinctive facies, muscular hypotonia, hepatomegaly with jaundice, renal cysts, epiphyseal stippling of the patellae, cerebral dysmyelination, and neuronal [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
Zellweger syndrome (ZS) is the most severe with neonatal onset, and characterized by typical craniofacial dysmorphism and profound hypotonia, severe seizures, and inability to feed. [preventiongenetics.com]
Visit for more related articles at Journal of Clinical Case Reports Abstract Zellweger syndrome (ZS) disorders are autosomal recessive peroxisomal biogenesis diseases mainly characterized by neonatal onset severe neurodevelopmental delay, profound hypotonia [omicsonline.org]
Neurologic
- Hyporeflexia
A term male newborn was noted to have severe diffuse hypotonia, hyporeflexia, hepatosplenomegaly, and characteristic abnormal facies of Zellweger syndrome, the diagnosis of which was confirmed by identification of 2 mutations including Nt2098insT, a frameshift [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Overview MeSH Major Cerebral Hemorrhage Zellweger Syndrome abstract A term male newborn was noted to have severe diffuse hypotonia, hyporeflexia, hepatosplenomegaly, and characteristic abnormal facies of Zellweger syndrome, the diagnosis of which was [vivo.med.cornell.edu]
Central nervous system function is severely affected (profound muscular hypotonia, hyporeflexia or areflexia, severe intellectual deficit). [ela-asso.com]
Neurological abnormalities often seen in this syndrome are mental retardation, hypotonia, seizures, hyporeflexia or areflexia. They may also have cardiovascular anomalies like VSD and PDA. [indianpediatrics.net]
- Generalized Seizure
Seizures consist of a sudden imbalance that occurs between the excitatory and inhibitory signals in cortical neurons, creating a net excitation. The 2 major classes of seizures are focal and generalized. [lecturio.com]
Workup
For mothers with genetic predispositions and high-risk pregnancies, prenatal check up and screening for elevated VLCFA and detection of plasmalogen synthesis in the fetal blood is done by performing amniocentesis and human chorionic villi sampling. If abnormal alleles are found in the carrier parent, prenatal diagnosis can be finalized by DNA sampling. In some cases, preimplantation abnormalities can be detected early by DNA testing as well. ZWS is passed down genetically by autosomal recessive inheritance, so as a proactive measure, genetic counseling is greatly encouraged.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI results in ZWS reflect neocortical dysplasia (also called pachypolymicrogyria), presence of germinolytic cysts, and shows apparent delay in myelination. These diagnostic findings are then attributed to the abnormal cortical cytoarchitecture of the cerebral tissues as a result of the defective neuron migration and transfer.
Colpocephaly may be diagnosed as there may be manifestations of hypertrophy in the lateral occipital ventricular horns, and an evident depletion of the white matter. Both of these results help to deduce the presence of disrupted synthesis of myelin.
Severe affectations in later stages of ZWS are diagnosed with the appearance of cortical tissue atrophy.
Electroencephalography (EEG)
For peroxisomal biogenesis disorders like ZWS, EEG more likely reflects the presence of multifocal spikes when undergoing preliminary stages in the disease process.
Histologic findings
Neuropathologies in PBDs may be classified into 3 divisions:
- Problems in neuronal migration and differentiation
- Abnormal myelination
- Evidence of post developmental neuron degeneration
Urine
- Albuminuria
[…] hypoplastic olfactory lobes Extremities Single palmar creases Joint contractures Stippled epiphyses Camptodactyly Cardiovascular Features Cardiac septal defects PDA Other Features Hepatomegaly Postnatal growth deficiency and low birth weight Poor suck Albuminuria [en.wikibooks.org]
Hole in heart wall separating two lower heart chambers 0001629 Percent of people who have these symptoms is not available through HPO Abnormal electroretinogram 0000512 Abnormality of the helix 0011039 Adrenal hypoplasia Small adrenal glands 0000835 Albuminuria [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
Treatment
No absolute cure has been found for ZWS; however, symptoms may be relieved by pharmacologic treatment, as in using anti-epileptic drugs for patients that experience episodes of seizures. Coagulopathy in patients with liver dysfunction can be resolved with supplements of vitamin K, while cholestasis may need ideal amounts of fat soluble vitamins. The patient may be fed through a nasogastric tube or in other cases, a gastrostomy tube to ensure adequate calorie intake. It is highly suggested to restrict intake of phytanic acid-rich foods. For immunocompromised infants with severe stage hepatopathy, provision of supplementary mature bile acids, cholic acids and chenodeoxycholic acid are essential to improve liver function. Since ZWS patients are incapable of synthesizing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) naturally, supplements of DHA may also be required. Palliative care, supportive counseling, and providing group assistance for the relatives of the patient are highly encouraged.
A promising mode of treatment under study is to maintain the normal proportions of docosahexaenoic acid in the blood. DHA concentration would be expected in low levels for cerebral, retinal, as well as other tissues affected, and thus precipitates into delays in neuron transfer. According to the study, 20 individuals with PBD-ZSS that were inducted using DHA ethyl ester showed beneficial effects [16]. Improvements then resulted to normalized DHA levels and sufficient liver function, recovery from hypotonia and a decrease in visual disturbances in about 50% of the patients. Evidences of enhanced myelination were observed in nine of the subjects, as confirmed by MRI scans. Prospective results were shown greatly in two of the subjects who had begun with the induction of treatment before six months of age.
One more potentially effective approach is the pharmacologic induction of agents to facilitate the process of peroxisome biogenesis and proliferation. In one research study, treatment with sodium 4-phenylbutyrate improved the presence of peroxisome bodies in cultures of fibroblastic tissues from individuals with PBDs. It was also deducted that there was enhanced transcription of ALD-associated chromosomes and the gene of interest, PEX11alpha [17]. This pharmacologic approach lowered VLCFA concentration as a result, and instead elevated VLCFA beta-oxidation and concentrations of plasmologen bodies in NALD, as well as in IRD fibroblast tissues, although not particularly in ZWS.
Prognosis
Several studies have helped clinicians predict that prognosis for Zellweger syndrome (ZWS) is poor, with a high percentage of infants dying before reaching one year of age as a result of respiratory complications related to immature lung capacity, infection and unmanageable epilepsy attacks. This is the reason why most interventions are primarily focused on palliative care after confirmed diagnosis.
Etiology
PBD-ZSS is a result of chromosomal mutations in one of the 13 PEX genes that function to encode peroxins. Mutations such as this essentially lead to abnormalities in the generating new peroxisomes.
All of the peroxisome biogenesis disorders, including ZS, NALD, and IRD, are passed down to generations by autosomal recessive inheritance. All of these PBDs are effects of chromosomal mutations that may occur in any of 11 different genes that are commonly affected [1]. A great number of infants with PBDs have chromosomal mutations in PEX1 or PEX6, where the genes involved encode enzymes known as ATPases that play a part in the transfer of proteins from the cellular cytosol to the peroxisomes [2].
One study showed a child with ZWS as an offspring from uniparental disomy, as an effect of maternal isodisomy particularly in chromosome 1 [3].
Epidemiology
The total morbidity rate for all peroxisomal disorders combined is 1:20,000. ZWS has the highest occurrence to manifest during the neonatal period compared to other peroxisomal disorders, with an incidence of approximately 1 in between 50,000 to 100,000 infants.
ZWS is considered the most serious type of peroxisomal disorder and it is highly probable to result in death even before infant reaches one year of age.
Pathophysiology
ZWS is predominantly the outcome of abnormal peroxisomal metabolism and is found to be the most severe of all disorders concerning peroxisome components [4]. One feature of these peroxisomal disorders is the elevation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA), mostly evidenced by with a chain of 26 carbon atoms. Other defining characteristics include a disproportionately high ratio of C26 compared to C22 fatty acid components in the blood plasma, as well as the presence of fibroblasts and amniocytes in the blood [5]. The accumulation of VLCFA in the neuronal membranes later manifests into signs of neurologic affectation [6]. VLCFA aggregation also causes changes in the structure and function of erythrocyte membranes and impairs the ability of adrenal cells to act in response to adeno-corticotropic hormone (ACTH) [7] and has also been shown to impair the chemical composition that contributes to model membrane stability [8].
On the other hand, VLCFA show normal levels in some of the PBDs. Normal fatty acid levels are also seen in Refsum disease, where one contributing factor is the proliferation of phytanic acid in blood.
The etiology of peroxisomal disorders can be related to any one or more of these underlying neuropathologies:
- Defects in neuron migration (in ZSDs and DBP deficient disorders)
- Abnormal composition of the myelin bodies in the cerebral and peripheral areas
- Neuronal degeneration (but not absolutely applicable to all PBDs)
Pathophysiology is assumed to begin with the proliferation of accumulated VLCFA in the neuronal membranes that lead to dysfunction, atrophy, and apoptosis or death of the weak neuronal cells [6]. Studies were done to comprehend the pathophysiology of ZWS in animal models and it was shown that the defect in neuron migration is related to the insufficient receptor mechanism for N-methyl-D-aspartate [9].
The difference in the severity of each of the disorders, with regards to neuron transfer and membrane differentiation varies according to the specific PBD type [10]. In these conditions the physiological migration of all types of neurons are disrupted, but can be most observed in neurons that travel the outer layers of the cortex.
The manifestations can more likely be observed in ZWS and other conditions that resemble ZWS. An example of a disorder with resemblance to ZWS is DBP deficiency, which is defined by a unique composition of centrosylvian pachygyria-polymicrogyria that greatly contributes to seizures and retardation of mental function [11].
Neurologic involvement, malformations, and failure to maintain cerebral white matter and peripheral myelin membranes are usually found in PBD patients. In PBD, the damage of central lesions is presently well identified but the extent of peripheral nerve affectation has not been discovered yet, except for its role in Refsum disease. Refsum disease is mostly defined by hyperactive demyelination that develops into a neuropathy often described as an onion bulb.
The resulting degeneration of central white matter layers consist of myelin mesh that can either be inflammatory in nature [12] [13] or may be noninflammatory. As can be expected, there is also a decrease in myelin volume and staining [6]. The myelin staining can still occur even without the use of reactive astrocytosis. It is always important to consider that the type of neuron degeneration varies according to the disorder.
Inflammation and demyelination generally occurs in NALD, causing the bilateral and symmetric thinning of the myelin sheath in the cerebral as well as in the cerebellar layers of white matter [14]. The parietal and occipital areas are initially affected along with the asymmetric growth of the lesions as they approach the frontal and/or temporal lobes. It is more likely that the arcuate fibers will be left undamaged, except in severe or chronic conditions. Axonal loss may occur at times, but myelin loss is definitely more pronounced. Brainstem lesions may sometimes be involved, with the pons manifesting more affectation. The spinal cord would more likely be unaffected as well, except when it involves the degeneration of bilateral corticospinal tract structures.
Prevention
Genetic descent among all relatives of ZWS patients are highly probable to be a carrier of the PEX chromosome mutation. As long as no genetic study has been done, the status of autosomal recessive inheritance in the clan and the reproductive probability cannot be plotted out. If one relative of any ZWS patient is found to be a carrier, the partner may undergo further biomolecular testing to identify their chances of achieving successful birth without the disorder.
Summary
Zellweger syndrome (ZWS) is a severely damaging type of peroxisome biogenesis disorder (PBD). The Zellweger syndrome spectrum (PBD-ZSS) includes Zellweger syndrome (ZWS), neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy (NALD) and infantile Refsum disease (IRD) and is marked by neuronal migration defects, malformation in craniofacial bone structures, profound hypotonic muscles, seizures in neonates, and liver insufficiency.
ZWS, also widely known in the medical field as cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome, can be defined as a rare metabolic anomaly that can affect multiple body systems. As this name suggests, it can disrupt three functional systems of the body which are:
Patient Information
Zellweger syndrome (ZWS), also called cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome in some cases, is a metabolic anomaly that can inflict damage in multiple systems. ZWS proves to be most fatal among all of the peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (PBDs) which are characterized by defects in neuronal migration, impaired brain development, malformed craniofacial bone structures, liver dysfunction, and the absence of peroxisomal components at the biochemical cellular level.
The physical symptoms found in ZWS patients are dysmorphic craniofacial structures such as an abnormally high and wide forehead, hypertelorism, extra epicanthal skin folds, flattened supraorbital ridges, broadened nasal bridge, and enlarged fontanels. Mostly, the ZWS patient exhibits neurological abnormalities that are manifested by hypotonic muscles, showing an elicit decrease in sucking ability, poor deep tendon reflexes, episodes of seizures, and nystagmus. Liver and skeletal problems, such as the calcification of the patellae may also be observed. A large percentage of ZWS patients fail to survive and leads to death before reaching the first year of age.
The most common pathological anomalies found in ZWS are cholestasis, liver fibrosis, and the presence of cysts in the kidneys. This disease inflicts damage due to the absence of essential liver peroxisome bodies resulting to a severe decrease in liver function. The brain shows neuronal migration defects in neuron function, inconsistency in white matter, and stored lipid components.
Currently, no form of medical intervention has been found effective to treat ZWS. Palliative care, appropriate counseling, and providing support systems for the family members are encouraged.
References
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- Geisbrecht BV, Collins CS, Reuber BE, Gould SJ. Disruption of a PEX1-PEX6 interaction is the most common cause of the neurologic disorders Zellweger syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, and infantile Refsum disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998; 95:8630.
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