Question: What is (are) molybdenum cofactor deficiency ?
Answer: Molybdenum cofactor deficiency is a rare condition characterized by brain dysfunction (encephalopathy) that worsens over time. Babies with this condition appear normal at birth, but within a week they have difficulty feeding and develop seizures that do not improve with treatment (intractable seizures). Brain abnormalities, including deterioration (atrophy) of brain tissue, lead to severe developmental delay; affected individuals usually do not learn to sit unassisted or to speak. A small percentage of affected individuals have an exaggerated startle reaction (hyperekplexia) to unexpected stimuli such as loud noises. Other features of molybdenum cofactor deficiency can include a small head size (microcephaly) and facial features that are described as "coarse." Tests reveal that affected individuals have high levels of chemicals called sulfite, S-sulfocysteine, xanthine, and hypoxanthine in the urine and low levels of a chemical called uric acid in the blood. Because of the serious health problems caused by molybdenum cofactor deficiency, affected individuals usually do not survive past early childhood.
Source: GHR

Question: How many people are affected by molybdenum cofactor deficiency ?
Answer: Molybdenum cofactor deficiency is a rare condition that is estimated to occur in 1 in 100,000 to 200,000 newborns worldwide. More than 100 cases have been reported in the medical literature, although it is thought that the condition is underdiagnosed, so the number of affected individuals may be higher.
Source: GHR

Question: What are the treatments for molybdenum cofactor deficiency ?
Answer: These resources address the diagnosis or management of molybdenum cofactor deficiency: - Genetic Testing Registry: Combined molybdoflavoprotein enzyme deficiency - Genetic Testing Registry: Molybdenum cofactor deficiency, complementation group A - Genetic Testing Registry: Molybdenum cofactor deficiency, complementation group B - Genetic Testing Registry: Molybdenum cofactor deficiency, complementation group C These resources from MedlinePlus offer information about the diagnosis and management of various health conditions: - Diagnostic Tests - Drug Therapy - Surgery and Rehabilitation - Genetic Counseling - Palliative Care
Source: GHR