HEPATIC INFANTILISM Meaning and
Definition
-
Hepatic infantilism, also known as hepatic enzyme deficiency or hereditary tyrosinemia type I, is a rare and serious genetic disorder that affects the liver's ability to break down the amino acid tyrosine. This condition is typically present from birth and can lead to various complications if left untreated.
Individuals with hepatic infantilism lack a specific enzyme called fumarylacetoacetase (FAH) that is necessary for the normal breakdown of tyrosine. As a result, toxic byproducts accumulate in the liver and other organs of the body. This buildup can cause liver damage and lead to symptoms such as jaundice, low blood sugar, failure to thrive, and an enlarged liver and spleen.
If left untreated, hepatic infantilism can progress to severe liver dysfunction, liver failure, and even liver cancer. However, early detection and treatment can greatly improve the long-term outcome for affected individuals. The primary treatment for hepatic infantilism involves managing the levels of tyrosine and other related amino acids in the diet, usually through a restricted protein intake and the supplementation of certain amino acids.
Liver transplantation may be considered for individuals who do not adequately respond to dietary management or have already developed severe liver disease. Regular monitoring of liver function, blood tyrosine levels, and urine succinylacetone levels are essential in managing the condition and preventing further complications.
Due to the potential severity of hepatic infantilism, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for affected individuals to lead healthier and longer lives.
-
A form associated with cirrhosis of the liver.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEPATIC INFANTILISM
- hepatic infantiliso
- hepatic infantilisl
- hepaticinnfantilism
- hepaticinfauntilism
- h epatic infantilism
- hepa tic infantilism
- hepat ic infantilism
- hepati c infantilism
- hepatic i nfantilism
- hepatic in fantilism
- hepatic inf antilism
- hepatic infa ntilism
- hepatic infan tilism
- hepatic infant ilism
- hepatic infanti lism
- hepatic infantil ism
- hepatic infantili sm
- hepatic infantilis m
Etymology of HEPATIC INFANTILISM
The term "hepatic infantilism" does not have an established etymology as it is a medical term that combines two words: "hepatic" and "infantilism".
1. "Hepatic" refers to the liver, which is the largest glandular organ in the vertebrate body. It comes from the Latin word "hepaticus", derived from the Greek word "hepatikos", meaning "of the liver".
2. "Infantilism" refers to a condition of retaining childlike physical or mental qualities in adulthood. It is derived from the Latin word "infantilis", which means "infantile" or "childish", derived from "infans", meaning "inability to speak".
Together, "hepatic infantilism" refers to a condition where a liver disorder can result in the failure to develop adult or mature characteristics.
