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Basics

J. Chad Hoyle, MD


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive disorder that classically presents with progressive ataxia, lower extremity areflexia, pyramidal signs, proprioceptive/vibratory sensory loss, and dysarthria before the age of 25.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Incidence

No data available. See prevalence.

Prevalence

RISK FACTORS

Genetics

Pregnancy Considerations

GENERAL PREVENTION

No reports available. See treatment.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Frataxin protein deficiency causes pathological changes with a predilection for certain tissues, including the dorsal root ganglia dorsal column, spinocerebellar tracts, and corticospinal tracts. The cerebellum is affected to a milder degree (i.e., dentate nuclei). Systemic involvement of the heart and pancreas relate to the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and diabetes.

ETIOLOGY

COMMONLY ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

Diagnosis

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

PHYSICAL EXAM

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND INTERPRETATION

Lab

Initial Lab Tests

Follow-Up & Special Considerations

In unclear cases of ataxia, one could perform a very wide range of labs depending on age and time course of symptom onset, including routine labs, b12, thyroid studies, ammonia, celiac antibodies, GAD antibodies, paraneoplastic panel, metabolic labs for inborn errors of metabolism, mitochondrial studies, further genetic testing, among other possibilities given clinical clues.

Imaging

Initial Approach

MRI of the brain/cervical spine recommended to rule out other pertinent pathology.

Follow-Up & Special Considerations

In FRDA, imaging is negative other than spinal cord atrophy and much less commonly mild cerebellar atrophy (not of the hemispheres).

Diagnostic Procedures/Other

Pathological Findings

No reports available.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Treatment

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

First Line

Second Line

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT

General Measures

No reports available.

Issues for Referral

Additional Therapies

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Some recommend supplementation with idebenone as antioxidant therapy. See treatment section.

SURGERY/OTHER PROCEDURES

Orthopedic surgery considerations in select cases of significant scoliosis or severe foot deformities (see issues for referral).

IN-PATIENT CONSIDERATIONS

No reports available.

Nursing

No reports available.

Discharge Criteria

No reports available.

Ongoing Care

ONGOING-CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

DIET

Diet is at the discretion of cardiologist.

PATIENT EDUCATION

Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance: www.curefa.org or contact office at 484-879-6160 or 484-875-3105.

PROGNOSIS

Average mortality is roughly 36 years past the initial onset of symptoms (older than previous estimate of 37 years old).

COMPLICATIONS

Mortality is most often related to heart failure, arrhythmia, or aspiration and pneumonia.

Additional Reading

Codes

CODES

ICD9

334.0 Friedreich's ataxia

Clinical Pearls