Guide To The Symptoms Of Kearns-Sayre Syndrome

Kearns-Sayre syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by problems with the mitochondria, a component found in all the cells of the body. First discovered in 1958, scientists estimate the syndrome occurs at a rate of 1.6 out of every 100,000 individuals. Individuals with this condition normally appear healthy at birth, and symptoms gradually appear during childhood and adolescence, typically beginning before the age of twenty. Kearns-Sayre syndrome patients may have vision difficulties, hearing loss, short stature, heart problems, and diabetes or other endocrine system disorders. Genetic testing can be done to diagnose Kearns-Sayre syndrome, and patients may also need to have an eye exam, blood tests, MRI scans, and specialized heart tests to fully evaluate the severity of their symptoms. Treatment is tailored to the symptoms an individual is experiencing. For example, patients who have heart problems may need a pacemaker, and individuals with vision difficulties may wish to have surgical intervention. All Kearns-Sayre syndrome patients are closely monitored by specialists, and they typically have regular hearing tests, eye exams, blood tests, and electrocardiograms to check for the development of potential complications.