
Living with Multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome 1
A rare condition of the cells' energy centers (mitochondria) that affects the brain, muscles, lungs, and heart from infancy.
Understanding Multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome 1
This condition affects the brain, muscles, lungs, and sometimes the heart. Babies may have trouble gaining weight, low muscle tone, developmental delay, and loss of skills they had learned. Lung blood pressure can be high, and breathing may be affected. Brain scans may show changes in white matter.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Trouble gaining weight (failure to thrive)
- Feeding difficulties
- Delayed development
- Loss of skills (developmental regression)
- Muscle weakness and low muscle tone
- High blood pressure in the lungs
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 brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in NFU1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
- 4Connect with expert centers
United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and MitoAction may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, MitoAction
- 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 United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation 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
Quick facts
GARD lists changes in the NFU1 gene. It is listed as autosomal recessive, which means a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.
Also known as: fatal multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome caused by mutation in nfu1; mmds1; mmds1 - multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome type 1; multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome type 1; nfu1 (nfu1 iron-sulfur cluster scaffold) deficiency; nfu1 deficiency
Patient organizations
- United Mitochondrial Disease FoundationMitochondrial diseases · United States
- MitoActionMitochondrial diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome 1.
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