Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Chediak-Higashi syndrome

Treatment: There is no specific treatment for Chediak-Higashi syndrome. Bone marrow transplants appear to have been successful in several patients. Infections are treated with antibiotics and abscesses are surgically drained when appropriate. Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir have been tried during the terminal phase of the disease. Cyclophosphamide and prednisone have been tried. Vitamin C therapy has improved immune function and clotting in some patients. Support Groups: Chediak-Higashi Syndrome Association -- www.chediak-higashi.org Expectations (prognosis): Text Continues Below The frequent infections of Chediak-Higashi syndrome cannot be prevented. The terminal phase of the illness is not treatable. Complications: Frequent infections especially with Epstein-Barr virus Lymphoma-like cancer Early death Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you have a family history of this disorder and you are planning to have children. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your child shows symptoms of Chediak-Higashi syndrome.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.