Living with PHGDH deficiency
A rare inherited brain condition with a small head, seizures, and delayed development, usually starting in infancy.
Understanding PHGDH deficiency
Most people have the infantile form, which is the most severe. Brain cells and the fatty covering of nerves (myelin) are affected, so the head grows slower than the body. Many babies have trouble feeding. Juvenile and adult forms are very rare and appear later. GARD lists onset as a variety of ages.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Small head (microcephaly)
- Severe delays in development
- Seizures, including infantile spasms
- Feeding difficulties
- Poor weight gain
- Muscle stiffness (spasticity)
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 PHGDH 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
Quick facts
Changes in the PHGDH gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, which means a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.
Also known as: 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency, infantile/juvenile form; phgdh deficiency, infantile/juvenile form; phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency
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 PHGDH deficiency.
Explore research for PHGDH deficiency
Explore actively recruiting PHGDH deficiency studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for PHGDH deficiency with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting PHGDH deficiency studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for PHGDH deficiency
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your PHGDH deficiency experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.