Adrenoleukodystrophy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Adrenoleukodystrophy - Research Paper Example However, promptly managed and cared for, this disorder is somewhat bearable for the individual who has it. But there is no treatment for ALD, only alternative medications that could delay the progression of the disorder. This paper discusses and analyzes childhood cerebral ALD in a patient case study format. An 8 year old boy from Alabama, New York was admitted at the East Alabama Medical Center with issue of continuous darkening of the entire body for 4 years already, continuing deterioration of vision, abnormal behavior and hearing difficulty observed for the last 2 months. At the age of five he began going to school, but was forced to stop because of visual deficiency and low level of attention. Progressively he also began experiencing hearing difficulties. He had one incident of seizure 2 months ago. While confined in the hospital he also exhibited signs of mental illness and experienced vertigo. His previous medical history was average. He was not taking any medications before his hospitalization. There was also nothing unusual in his family background. Test results showed generalized hyper-pigmentation of skin, as well as pigmentation of tongue, gum, and oral mucosa. His blood pressure was stable, and has scattered loss of hair. He has testicular atrophy according to genital tests. Audiometry reports deterioration of sensory-neural hearing in both ears; ophthalmological and neurological tests show bilateral primary optic atrophy. All regular examinations showed normal results, but one test showed high protein, with no alteration in microbiological, glucose, and cell count results (Rosenkilde et al., 1995). The diagnosis of adrenoleukodystrophy was firmly substantiated by the radiological and biochemical results, and medical history. Afterwards, treatment was initiated with prednisolone and antipsychotic (Rosenkilde et al., 1995). He is currently monitored on a regular basis. The medical