About romano ward syndrome

What is romano ward syndrome?

General Discussion

Romano-Ward syndrome is an inherited heart (cardiac) disorder characterized by abnormalities affecting the electrical system of the heart. The severity of Romano-Ward syndrome varies greatly from case to case. Some individuals may have no apparent symptoms (asymptomatic); others may develop abnormally increased heartbeats (tachyarrhythmias) resulting in episodes of unconsciousness (syncope), cardiac arrest, and potentially sudden death. Romano-Ward syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.

What are the causes for romano ward syndrome?

Mutations in the KCNQ1, KCNH2, and SCN5A genes are the most common causes of Romano-Ward syndrome. These genes provide instructions for making proteins that form channels across the cell membrane. These channels transport positively charged atoms (ions), such as potassium and sodium, into and out of cells. In cardiac muscle cells, these ion channels play critical roles in maintaining the heart's normal rhythm. Mutations in any of these genes alter the structure or function of the channels, which changes the flow of ions in and out of cells. A disruption in ion transport alters the way the heart beats, leading to the abnormal heart rhythm characteristic of Romano-Ward syndrome.

Mutations in other genes involved in ion transport can also cause Romano-Ward syndrome; each of these additional genes is associated with a very small percentage of cases.

What are the risk factors for romano ward syndrome?

Romano Ward syndrome is a type of upper motor neuron disease that causes weakness and abnormal reflexes in the arms and legs. It can be caused by trauma to the neck or spinal cord, or it may be congenital (present at birth). The most common risk factors for Romano Ward syndrome include:

  • Age: People who are over 50 years old are more likely to have Romano Ward syndrome than younger people.
  • Sex: Women are more likely than men to have this condition.
  • Aging: As you get older, your risk of developing romano ward syndrome increases
  • Smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for romano ward syndrome
  • Excessive alcohol intake: Having more than two alcoholic drinks a day can increase your risk of developing romano ward syndrome
  • The condition is most often seen in children, but it can also affect adults. Romano-Ward syndrome is usually diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 15.
  • The exact cause of Romano-Ward syndrome isn't known, but experts believe it may be related to problems with several different body systems:
  • The kidneys
  • The heart and blood vessels
  • The lungs
  • The brain, nervous system, and spinal cord
Symptoms
Painless injury or infection,Unable to feel pain during physical activity,Unable to feel pain when eating hot or cold foods,Tenderness in muscles due to exercise or strain without an injury being present (this is known as muscle tenderness)
Conditions
Head injury,Brain tumor,Multiple sclerosis
Drugs
Beta blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), propranolol (Inderal, Innopran XL) or atenolol (Tenormin)

Is there a cure/medications for romano ward syndrome?

There is no cure for Romano Ward Syndrome, but there are medications that can help manage the symptoms.

  • Romano Ward syndrome is a disease that causes patients to experience muscle weakness and pain in their legs and arms.
  • Patients also report feeling as though their legs are heavier than normal, or that they cannot move them as quickly as they would like to.
  • These symptoms can be debilitating, and often make it difficult for patients to perform daily tasks such as walking or climbing stairs.
  • Romano Ward Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects only 1 in 100,000 people.
  • It causes lifelong problems with mobility and motor skills, and it's often associated with autism spectrum disorders.
  • The condition typically presents itself in early childhood, when parents notice their child struggling to move or speak properly.
  • The child may have trouble learning how to walk or talk, or may have difficulty using their hands in certain ways (such as writing).

The most common symptoms include:

-difficulty speaking clearly or at all

-difficulty swallowing food without choking

-a high-pitched voice that can sound like a squeak or a squeal

-difficulty walking due to weak muscles in their legs or feet

-difficulty controlling bodily movements such as blinking or smiling

-unusual facial expressions such as grimacing or not showing emotions appropriately

Symptoms
Painless injury or infection,Unable to feel pain during physical activity,Unable to feel pain when eating hot or cold foods,Tenderness in muscles due to exercise or strain without an injury being present (this is known as muscle tenderness)
Conditions
Head injury,Brain tumor,Multiple sclerosis
Drugs
Beta blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), propranolol (Inderal, Innopran XL) or atenolol (Tenormin)

Video related to romano ward syndrome