Fabry's disease
Fabry's disease is an inherited condition in which an enzyme deficiency prevents the body from breaking down molecules known as glycosphingolipids. These molecules then accumulate in the kidneys, heart, and nerves and throughout the body, eventually causing serious symptoms.
The disease affects males more severely than females. In males, Fabry's disease may cause heart and kidney problems, clouding of the cornea and lens of the eye, lesions on the skin and within the mouth, decreased ability to sweat, and pain in the hands and feet. Females may not show any symptoms or may have impaired heart function.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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