Definition

Riley-Day syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects the development and function of nerves throughout the body.

Alternative Names

Familial dysautonomia; Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy - type III (HSAN III)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Riley-Day syndrome is passed down through families (inherited). A person must inherit a copy of the defective gene from each parent to develop the condition.

This condition is seen most often in people of Eastern European Jewish ancestry (Ashkenazi Jews), where the incidence is 1 in 3,700. The disease is caused by a change (mutation) of the IKBKAP gene on chromosome 9. It is rare in the general population.

Symptoms

Breath holding spells (can lose consciousness)
Constipation
Decreased taste
Diarrhea
Dry eyes
Feeding difficulties
Inability to feel pain and changes in temperature (can lead to injuries)
Long episodes of vomiting
Poor coordination - unsteady walk
Poor growth
Repeated fevers
Repeated pneumonia
Seizures
Skin blotching
Sweating while eating
Unusually smooth, pale tongue surface

Symptoms are present at birth and grow worse over time.

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. The patient may have:

Absent or decreased deep tendon reflexes
Lack of a response after receiving a histamine injection (normally redness and swelling would occur)
Lack of tears with emotional crying
Low muscle tone (hypotonia), especially in babies
Repeated episodes of high blood pressure
Severe scoliosis
Tiny pupils after receiving certain eye drops

Blood tests are available to check for the IKBKAP gene. The detection rate in the Ashkenazi Jewish population is greater than 99%.

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Anticonvulsant therapy if there are seizures
Feeding in an upright position and giving textured formula to prevent gastroesophageal reflux
Increased fluid and salt intake, caffeine, and elastic stockings to prevent low blood pressure when standing (postural hypotension)
Medicines called anti-emetics, to control vomiting
Medicines, including liquid tears, to prevent dry eyes
Physical therapy of the chest
Protecting the person from injury
Providing enough nutrition and fluids
Surgery or spinal fusion
Treating aspiration pneumonia

Expectations (prognosis)

With advances in diagnosis and treatment, survival continues to improve. Currently, a newborn with Riley-Day has a 50% chance of reaching age 30.

Complications

The following complications occur in about 40% of patients with this condition:

Blotching of the face and torso
Excessive sweating of the head and torso
High blood pressure (hypertension) and rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Insomnia
Irritability
Mottling of the hands and feet
Nausea/vomiting
Severe difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), drooling
Worsening of muscle tone

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if symptoms change or get worse. A genetic counselor can help clarify information about the condition and tell you how to contact support groups in your area.

Prevention

People who are of an Eastern European Jewish background and families with a history of Riley-Day syndrome who are thinking of having children can seek genetic counseling to discuss their risk and undergo testing, when appropriate.

Genetic testing by DNA is very accurate for Riley-Day syndrome. It may be used for diagnosing affected individuals, detecting carriers, and prenatal diagnosis.

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