Alagille Syndrome & our Little Monkey: 2012

Here I find myself again, up in the middle of the night, wide awake while my little baby sleeps. To most mothers a sleeping baby is a welcome site, it means that you can finally rest. To mothers of babies with Alagille Syndrome, it means that you can finally log on to the internet and Google Alagille Syndrome (ALGS). And you, like me, will find yourself frustrated and sad. Frustrated that your search will yield very little results, and sad because what you find gives you very little hope.

I would get so excited to find a blog or facebook page of someone with ALGS. I would read the posts of their experiences and feel happy that I found someone who understands what it is like. I too have now created a blog and a facebook page to help friends and family keep updated and informed. I hope that they do not end the way most of the others end, with the last post beginning with "we are sad to announce the death of...".

Feelings of gladness to fine another to feel connected too will to often change into tears and sadness because they are already gone. If you don't want to cry, word to the wise, DO NOT watch the You Tube videos. If you do, you will need a box of tissues, the whole box of tissues.

To you mothers and fathers reading this letter in the middle of the night, to you I say Welcome. Welcome to the 2:00 am Alagille Syndrome research club. Others have sat here before you. Some who have gone thru this, and others who are still going thru this. Veterans and rookies. I have found that most are happy and eager to share with you and help you. Those phrases like: "the more the merrier", "safety in numbers" and "misery loves company" begin to take on new meaning. They also seem to mark the path, first you find yourself happy that you are not alone, then safe in the fact that you are not alone, and last that you are not alone in your grief. It is an instant and forever bond that seems to form between ALGS families. If you have not visited the Alagille Syndrome Alliance website, go to it, it is a great place to connect with others. To those who brought this site about and keep it going, Thank You.

As for now, I find myself still drifting, not really knowing what to do next. Our journey has just begun. Questions still pile up, confusion on what to do still frustrate me, sadness still creeps in. I hope that this account of my feelings and experiences will serve as a comfort to someone. Even if it is just to say, No, you are not crazy, and you are not alone.

I have found that "normal" no longer exists. When your child gets sick it is "normal" to take them to the Doctor, but which Doctor do we go see. Do we go to our "regular" doctor, who we see less than our specialists, or do we call a specialist? Is it a virus that will pass, or is it something more serious?

My 4 month old son was vomiting for 2 weeks. After a few trips to the pediatrician, GI specialist and emergency room to get rehydrated, I learned one thing, YOU must speak up and stand firm for your child. Don't be surprised if you find that the ER Doctors have never heard of Alagille Syndrome and hesitate before treating you. Don't be surprised if your Doctors don't always agree on what actions to take. One may say to use a certain formula mixed a certain way, and another may say that they don't agree with that. One may think that you have a virus, and another may think you have an allergy to your formula or a medication. It is enough to drive you crazy. Be patient, you are all in this together, and everyone has your child's best interest at heart.

I have found that our Pediatrician has never had a patient with ALGS, and he is a member of the 2:00 am ALGS research club. It is nice to know that he wants to be better informed on how to help us. He referred us to the best hospital and the best doctors. We have a great team of doctors in our court now, who I pray do not get sick of my phone calls and questions. We are so lucky and blessed to have the team of doctors and assistants that we do, and a fantastic children's hospital.

To our Doctors, new ALGS friends, our family and friends old and new, Thank you. Thank you for helping us, for giving us support, and for helping us find our new normal. Thank you for understanding when family events get missed, when conversations are all about ALGS, or I blame my sleep deprivation for the reason I forgot your birthday. Thank you for not laughing at the sticky notes on my fridge reminding me to not forget to pick the kids up from school again. Thank you for bringing us meals, and hugs, and more meals and more hugs. And a very special thank you to my wonderful daughter, for always being my last minute babysitter.

To all those who want to help but don't know how, lots of opportunities are on the way. I am planning some ALGS fundraiser/awareness events, and will be writing a children's book about our Little Alagille Monkey. Please feel free to make donations to Jackson's care or to the Alagille Syndrome Alliance information on how to do this will be posted soon. And please start to spread the news about ALGS so that we can raise awareness and get the community involved. Thank you.

What is Alagille syndrome?

Alagille syndrome is an inherited disorder in which a person has fewer than the normal number of small bile ducts inside the liver. Bile ducts, also called hepatic ducts, are tubes that carry bile from the liver cells to the gallbladder and eventually drain into the small intestine. Bile is a liquid produced in the liver that serves two main functions: carrying toxins and waste products out of the body and helping the digestion of fats and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. The decreased number of hepatic ducts causes bile to build up in the liver, leading to liver damage. Eventually the liver may stop working and a liver transplant is necessary. Alagille syndrome is a complex disorder that can affect other parts of the body including the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, eyes, face, and skeleton. The syndrome occurs in about one in every 70,000 births¹ and is equally common in boys and girls. The symptoms of Alagille syndrome are usually seen in the first 2 years of life.

What causes Alagille syndrome?

Alagille syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning it can be inherited from one parent who has the disorder. A child who has a parent with Alagille syndrome has a 50 percent chance of developing the disorder. Most people with Alagille syndrome have a mutation, or defect, in the Jagged1 (JAG1) gene. Mutations in the NOTCH2 gene are seen in less than 1 percent of people with Alagille syndrome.

What are the symptoms of Alagille syndrome?

The symptoms of Alagille syndrome and their severity vary, even among people in the same family.

Liver Symptoms.Infants with Alagille syndrome may have symptoms of liver disease and poor bile drainage from the liver in the first few weeks of life. These symptoms can also occur in children and adults with Alagille syndrome.

Jaundice. Bilirubin is the pigment that gives bile its reddish-yellow color. Jaundice occurs when the bilirubin content in the blood rises, causing yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. High levels of bilirubin in the blood can darken the urine, while stools may become pale, gray, or white from a lack of bilirubin in the intestines.

Many healthy newborns have mild jaundice due to immaturity of the liver. This type of jaundice disappears by the second or third week of life, whereas the jaundice of Alagille syndrome remains. Infants with jaundice that persists should be checked by a doctor.

Pruritus. The buildup of bilirubin in the blood may cause itching, also called pruritus. Pruritus usually starts after 3 months of age and can be severe.

Malabsorption and growth problems. People with Alagille syndrome may have diarrhea because of malabsorption, a condition in which the bowel does not properly absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Malabsorption occurs because bile is necessary for their digestion. Malabsorption can lead to failure to thrive in infants and poor growth and delayed puberty in older children. People with Alagille syndrome and malabsorption may develop bone fractures, eye problems, blood-clotting problems, and learning delays.

Xanthomas. Xanthomas are fatty deposits that appear as yellow bumps on the skin. They are caused by abnormally high cholesterol levels in the blood, which is common in people with liver disease. Xanthomas are found on the abdomen, knees, elbows, hands, and around the eyes and are harmless.

Unique Symptoms

Alagille syndrome can affect other parts of the body in ways that may help doctors distinguish it from other liver conditions.

Heart. A heart murmur is the most common sign of Alagille syndrome other than liver disease. Most people with Alagille syndrome have a narrowing of the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the lungs. This narrowing causes a murmur that can be heard with a stethoscope, but usually it does not cause problems. A small number of people with Alagille syndrome have more serious heart conditions involving problems with the walls or the valves in the heart. The more serious conditions may require medications and corrective surgery.

Face. Many children with Alagille syndrome have deep-set eyes; a straight nose; a small, pointed chin; and a prominent, wide forehead. These features are not usually recognized until after infancy. The face typically changes with age, and by adulthood the chin is more prominent.

Eyes. Posterior embryotoxon is a condition in which an opaque ring is seen in the cornea, the transparent covering of the eyeball. A specialist performs an eye examination, called the slit lamp test, to look for the condition. The abnormality is common in people with Alagille syndrome and usually does not affect vision.

Skeleton. The shape of the bones of the spine may look abnormal on an x ray, but this abnormality rarely causes spine problems.

Kidneys. A wide range of kidney diseases can occur in Alagille syndrome. Some people have small kidneys or cysts in the kidneys. The kidneys can also have decreased function.

Spleen. The spleen is a small abdominal organ that cleans blood and protects against infection. Blood flow from the spleen drains directly into the liver. When liver disease is advanced, the blood flow backs up into the spleen and other blood vessels. This condition is called portal hypertension. The spleen may enlarge in the later stages of liver disease. A person with an enlarged spleen should avoid contact sports to protect the organ from injury.

Blood vessels. People with Alagille syndrome may have abnormalities of the carotid arteries—the blood vessels in the head and neck. This serious complication can lead to internal bleeding or stroke. If a person with Alagille syndrome suffers a head injury, prompt evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the brain are needed to check for problems. Alagille syndrome can also cause narrowing or bulging of other blood vessels in the body.

How is Alagille syndrome diagnosed?

Because the symptoms of Alagille syndrome vary and because the syndrome is so rare, the disorder can be difficult to diagnose. The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination to look for clinical symptoms of the disorder. If Alagille syndrome is suspected, the doctor will order one or more of the following tests and examinations:

· blood tests to check liver function and nutritional status

· an abdominal ultrasound to look for liver enlargement and to rule out other conditions

· a liver biopsy to check for a decreased number of hepatic ducts

· a cardiology examination to check for heart problems

· an eye examination to check for posterior embryotoxon

· an x ray of the spine to look for abnormalities

· examinations of the blood vessels and kidneys to check for abnormalities

To make a diagnosis of Alagille syndrome, a positive liver biopsy and the presence of three of the following symptoms are usually required:

· liver symptoms

· heart abnormalities or murmurs

· skeletal abnormalities

· posterior embryotoxon

· facial features typical of Alagille syndrome

The doctor may also have a blood sample tested to look for the JAG1 gene mutation. The gene mutation can be identified in 95 percent of people with a diagnosis of Alagille syndrome based on signs and symptoms.² A person can also be diagnosed with Alagille syndrome if the JAG1 gene mutation alone is present—even when no major symptoms of the disorder are evident.

The doctor may refer a person suspected of having Alagille syndrome to a geneticist—a physician who specializes in genetic disorders—to review the findings and assist with diagnosis. The geneticist and a genetic counselor meet with family members to review the family medical history and provide information. Once a person is diagnosed with Alagille syndrome, the parents may be tested for the JAG1 gene mutation. Siblings and other family members may also be tested. The specialists discuss the likelihood that family members and offspring will have the mutation. Prenatal testing is available at specialized centers.

How is Alagille syndrome treated?

Treatment for Alagille syndrome is aimed at increasing the flow of bile from the liver, promoting growth and development, and making the person as comfortable as possible. Ursodiol (Actigall, Urso) is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to increase bile flow. Other treatments address specific symptoms of the disease.

Pruritus. Itching may improve when the flow of bile from the liver is increased. Medications such as cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite), rifampin (Rifadin), naltrexone (ReVia, Depade), or antihistamines may be prescribed to relieve pruritus. Hydrating the skin with moisturizers and keeping fingernails trimmed to prevent skin damage from scratching are important.

If severe pruritus does not improve with medication, a procedure called partial external biliary diversion (PEBD) may provide relief from itching. PEBD involves surgery to connect one end of the small intestine to the gallbladder and the other end to an opening in the abdomen—called a stoma—through which bile leaves the body and is collected in a pouch.

A liver transplant may be necessary for a person with liver failure and severe pruritus that does not improve with medication or PEBD.

Malabsorption and growth problems. Infants with Alagille syndrome are given a special formula that allows the absorption of much-needed fat by the small intestine. Infants, children, and adults can benefit from a high-calorie diet, calcium, and vitamins A, D, E, and K. If oral doses of vitamins are not well tolerated, a health care provider may need to give the person injections for a period of time. A child may receive additional calories through a tiny tube that is passed through the nose into the stomach. If extra calories are required for a long time, a tube, called a gastrostomy tube, may be placed directly into the stomach through a small opening made in the abdomen. The child’s growth may improve if nutrition status improves and the flow of bile from the liver increases.

Xanthomas. These fatty deposits typically worsen over the first few years of life and then improve over time, or they may eventually disappear in response to PEBD or the medications used to increase bile flow.

Liver failure. In some cases, Alagille syndrome will progress to end-stage liver failure and require a liver transplant. A liver transplant is when the diseased liver is removed and replaced with a healthy one from an organ donor.

The health care team carefully considers the risks and benefits of a transplant and discusses them with the patient and family. People with Alagille syndrome and heart problems may not be candidates for a transplant because they could be at high risk for complications during and after the procedure.

What is the long-term outlook for people with Alagille syndrome?

The outlook for people with Alagille syndrome depends on several factors, including the severity of liver damage and heart problems and the early correction of malabsorption. Predicting who will experience improved bile flow and who will progress to end-stage liver failure is difficult. Fifteen percent of people with Alagille syndrome will eventually require a liver transplant.

Survival rates for people receiving liver transplants have improved over the past several years because of newer drugs that suppress the immune system and keep it from attacking and damaging the new liver.

Research studies report that 75 percent of children diagnosed with Alagille syndrome live to at least 20 years of age.³ Because of improvements in liver and heart therapies, this survival rate is increasing. Many adults with Alagille syndrome who improve with treatment lead normal, productive lives. Deaths in people with Alagille syndrome are most often caused by liver failure, heart problems, and blood vessel abnormalities.

Points to Remember

· Alagille syndrome is an inherited disorder in which a person has fewer than the normal number of bile ducts in the liver. The symptoms of Alagille syndrome are usually seen in the first 2 years of life.

· Alagille syndrome is a complex disorder that can affect the liver and other parts of the body such as the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, eyes, face, and skeleton.

· Alagille syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder, which means it can be inherited from one parent who has the disorder.

· Alagille syndrome is most often caused by a mutation, or defect, in the Jagged1 (JAG1) gene.

· Infants with Alagille syndrome may have symptoms of poor bile drainage from the liver in the first few weeks of life.

· Alagille syndrome can affect other parts of the body in ways that may help doctors distinguish it from other liver conditions.

· Because the symptoms of Alagille syndrome vary and because the syndrome is so rare, the disorder can be difficult to diagnose. The doctor may use the following to make a diagnosis: evaluation of the symptoms of Alagille syndrome, liver function tests, a liver biopsy, a blood test to look for a JAG1 gene mutation, and a genetic workup.

· Treatment for Alagille syndrome is aimed at increasing the flow of bile from the liver, promoting growth and development, and making the person as comfortable as possible.

· In some cases, Alagille syndrome will progress to end-stage liver failure and require a liver transplant.

· Research studies report that 75 percent of children with Alagille syndrome live to at least 20 years of age. Deaths in people with Alagille syndrome are most often caused by liver failure, heart problems, and blood vessel abnormalities.

Hope through Research

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases' Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition supports basic and clinical research into liver diseases, including Alagille syndrome. Studies are under way to

· explain the many ways Alagille syndrome presents in people

· focus on the interaction between JAG1 and other genes and on identifying new genes that might cause Alagille syndrome

· translate findings about bile formation and secretion into treatments to reverse or cure Alagille syndrome

· target the exact cause of pruritus and develop a curative treatment

· develop a gene therapy for liver disease in newborns that could be used to treat Alagille syndrome

Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research. For information about current studies, visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

For More Information

Alagille Syndrome Alliance
10500 SW Starr Drive
Tualatin, OR 97062
Phone: 503–885–0455
Email: alagille@alagille.org
Internet: www.alagille.org

American Liver Foundation
75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603
New York, NY 10038–4810
Phone: 1–800–GO–LIVER (465–4837) or 212–668–1000
Fax: 212–483–8179
Email: info@liverfoundation.org
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org

Children's Liver Association for Support Services
25379 Wayne Mills Place, Suite 143
Valencia, CA 91355
Phone: 1–877–679–8256
Fax: 661–263–9099
Email: info@classkids.org
Internet: www.classkids.org

United Network for Organ Sharing
P.O. Box 2484
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: 1–888–894–6361 or 804–782–4800
Fax: 804–782–4817
Internet: www.unos.org

Acknowledgments

Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. This publication was reviewed by David A. Piccoli, M.D., Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/alagille/