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Living with COG4-congenital disorder of glycosylation

An extremely rare condition, reported in one person so far, with seizures, low muscle tone, and developmental differences.

Understanding COG4-congenital disorder of glycosylation

COG4-congenital disorder of glycosylation (COG4-CDG) is an extremely rare form of CDG syndrome.

In the single reported case so far, features included seizures, some facial differences, low muscle tone in the trunk, slightly increased tone in the limbs, and brisk reflexes. GARD lists onset in the newborn period and infancy.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Seizures with fever
  • Small head size (microcephaly)
  • Absent speech
  • Poor coordination (ataxia)
  • Enlarged liver and spleen
  • Feeding difficulties and slow weight gain

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists, digestive system specialists, genetic specialists and seizure and epilepsy specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in COG4 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    CDG CARE and Epilepsy Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Seizure and epilepsy specialists (epileptologist)
Expert care
Expert lists: CDG CARE, Epilepsy Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with CDG CARE and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can COG4 genetic testing confirm the diagnosis?
How should seizures, liver, and blood clotting be monitored?
Which therapies can support feeding and development?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesCOG4

GARD says changes in the COG4 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticNeurologicalGastrointestinalInherited Metabolic

Also known as: carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome type 2j; carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome type iij; cdg iij; cdg syndrome type iij; cdg-iij; cdg2j

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · COG4-congenital disorder of glycosylationGARD ID 12412 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with COG4-congenital disorder of glycosylation.

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