Living with Congenital enterocyte heparan sulfate deficiency
A rare genetic intestinal condition with watery diarrhea and heavy protein loss through the gut, starting in early infancy.
Understanding Congenital enterocyte heparan sulfate deficiency
It causes watery (secretory) diarrhea and large protein loss through the gut. Babies cannot tolerate feeds in the first weeks to months of life. Apart from the missing heparan sulfate, a biopsy of the small bowel is otherwise normal.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Diarrhea
- Protein loss through the gut
- Swelling (edema)
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Swollen belly and bleeding from the rectum
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- 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 rare disease patient organizations for support
- 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
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition, but doesn't list a specific gene or inheritance pattern.
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Congenital enterocyte heparan sulfate deficiency.
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