1. Impotence Slideshow Pictures
2. Sex Drive Killers: Causes of Low Libido Slideshow
3. Low Testosterone (Low T) Quiz

In this Article

• What is, and what causes Fabry disease?
• What are the symptoms of Fabry disease?
• Is there any treatment for Fabry disease?
• What is the prognosis for Fabry disease?
• What research is being done on Fabry disease?
• For more information
• Fabry's Disease Index

Some women who carry the genetic mutation may have symptoms of the disease. Symptoms usually begin during childhood or adolescence and include:

• burning sensations in the hands that gets worse with exercise and hot weather, and
• small, raised reddish-purple blemishes on the skin.

Some boys will also have eye manifestations, especially cloudiness of the cornea. Lipid storage may lead to impaired arterial circulation and increased risk of heart attack or stroke. The heart may also become enlarged and the kidneys may become progressively involved.

Other symptoms include:

• decreased sweating,
• fever, and
• gastrointestinal difficulties, particularly after eating.

Fabry disease is one of several lipid storage disorders.

Enzyme replacement may be effective in slowing the progression of the disease. The pain in the hands and feet usually responds to anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR , Equetro, Carbatrol). Gastrointestinal hyperactivity may be treated with metoclopramide (Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon). Some individuals may require dialysis or kidney transplantation.