Diagnosis and Management of Ataxia-Telangiectasia in Resource-Limited Settings

Citation: 
Nienke J.H. van Os1,2 (e-mail: nienke.vanos@radboudumc.nl) Koen J. van Aerde3 (e-mail: koen.vanaerde@radboudumc.nl) Judith van Gaalen2 (e-mail: judith.vangaalen@radboudumc.nl) Peter J. Merkus4 (e-mail: peter.merkus@radboudumc.nl) Laura Silveira-Moriyama5,6 (e-mail: laurasilveira@gmail.com) Tajul A. Tajudin7 (e-mail: taj7699@gmail.com) Bart P.C. van de Warrenburg2 (e-mail: bart.vandewarrenburg@radboudumc.nl) Corry M.R. Weemaes3 (e-mail: corry.weemaes@radboudumc.nl) Marieke C. Dekker8 (e-mail: marieke@zwets.com) Michèl A.A.P. Willemsen1 (e-mail: michel.willemsen@radboudumc.nl)
Publication year: 
2020

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive disorder linked to mutations in the ATM gene, and is characterized by neurodegeneration with an early onset cerebellar syndrome, hyperkinetic movement disorders, neuropathy, and oculocutaneous telangiectasia. Immunodeficiency, pulmonary disease, growth failure, diabetes mellitus, increased malignancy risk and hypersensitivity to ionizing radiation complicate the clinical picture. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels are increased in patients with A-T and can therefore serve as a diagnostic marker for the disease. In resource-limited settings, diagnosis and management of patients with a rare and complex disorder such as A-T may be extremely challenging. This expert opinion-based guideline aims to give a narrative overview of diagnosis and management of A-T in resource-limited settings, by prioritizing different options based on medical necessity, availability, and costs.