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Living with NAD(P)HX dehydratase deficiency

A rare condition of the nervous system and metabolism, with repeated episodes of lost skills, often set off by fevers, in infancy and childhood.

Understanding NAD(P)HX dehydratase deficiency

NAD(P)HX dehydratase deficiency is a rare nervous system and metabolic condition that starts in infancy.

People have repeated episodes of lost skills and nervous system decline (neurodegeneration), often set off by illness with a fever. Features include low energy, low muscle tone, irritability, trouble with balance, loss of speech, movement problems, seizures, eye muscle paralysis, and hearing loss. Skin problems, heart muscle disease, and low blood cell counts have also been reported.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Loss of skills (developmental regression)
  • Delayed development
  • Low energy (lethargy)
  • Vomiting
  • Skin rash
  • Low blood cell counts (pancytopenia)

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 and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

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

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Should we have genetic testing for the NAXD gene?
How can we lower the chance of illness setting off an episode?
Which specialists should be on my child's care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startInfant and as a Child
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesNAXD

GARD lists changes in the NAXD gene. A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive).

GeneticNeurologicalInherited Metabolic

Also known as: carkd deficiency; encephalopathy, progressive, early-onset, with brain edema and/or leukoencephalopathy, 2

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · NAD(P)HX dehydratase deficiencyGARD ID 17990 · 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 NAD(P)HX dehydratase deficiency.

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  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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