You are in Medical Library . An inherited disorder that results in reduced absorption of copper from the intestines. Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors Menkes syndrome is inherited as an X-linked recessive disorder. The symptom is related to deficient levels of available copper. Symptoms include progressive mental deterioration, kinked or twisted brittle hair, and skeletal changes.
Death usually occurs in the first few years of life.
There is often a family history of Menkes syndrome. No truly effective treatment is available for Menkes syndrome. Injection of copper has been used with mixed results. Menkes is a serious disorder with little effective of treatment. Complications Death usually occurs in the first few years of life.