What Is Alagille Syndrome? Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment

Alagille syndrome or ALGS is a rare genetic disorder that can affect multiple organ systems in the body, including the liver, skeleton, heart, eyes and kidneys. It is also known by names such as Alagille-Watson syndrome and arteriohepatic dysplasia. [1]

The syndrome is mainly characterised by the buildup of bile in the liver, leading to liver damage. The symptoms and severity of the condition can vary greatly from one individual to another, even within the same family. Some people may have mild forms of ALGS, while others have more severe forms.

Take a look at the details of Alagille syndrome.

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Causes Of Alagille syndrome

Alagille syndrome is mainly caused by mutations in the JAG1 gene (in 90 per cent of cases), the NOTCH2 gene and small deletions of gene on chromosome 20 that include the JAG1 gene.

The two genes, JAG1 and NOTCH2, code for Notch signalling between neighbouring cells during embryonic development. This signalling influences how cells in the developing embryo body may be structured. Mutation of these genes is likely to disrupt the Notch signalling pathway and cause errors in development, notably in the bile ducts, heart, spinal column and certain facial features. [2]

Some of the abnormalities due to gene mutation may include narrow, malformed and the formation of insufficient bile ducts that help digest fats and fat-soluble vitamins. This symptom may be followed by severe heart and lungs problems.

Symptoms Of Alagille syndrome

Some of the symptoms of alagille syndrome may include: [3]

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Pale, gray or white stool.
• Jaundice in the newborn.
• Delay in growth and development.
• Itchy skin [4]
• Palpitation of the heart.
• Hard cholesterol bumps on the skin.
• Facial characteristics like wide forehead, small chin, straight nose and deep eyes during infancy.
• Insufficiency of the kidneys.
• White ring in the eyes. [5]
• Enlarged spleen

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Diagnosis Of Alagille syndrome

The symptoms of many conditions overlap with alegille syndrome. Therefore, a medical expert must rule out other conditions first. Some of these conditions may include neonatal hepatitis, extrahepatic biliary atresia and cystic fibrosis.

To diagnose alagille syndrome, a medical expert may look for physical symptoms like yellowing of the skin, followed by:

• Liver biopsy: To check for the proper functioning of the liver and bile. [6]
• Screening of heart and blood vessels: Along with tests related to bile, diagnosis of heart and blood vessels may help identify complications of the condition. [7]
• Blood test: To check for fat-soluble vitamin deficiency and the functioning of the liver.

Treatment Of Alagille syndrome

The treatment of alagille syndrome is customised based on the age, complications, severity and other factors of the patient. Some of the treatment methods may include:

• Medications: To improve the flow of bile from the liver and reduce symptoms like itching.
• Surgery: It includes liver transplantation in people with severe alagille syndrome. [8]
• Vitamin supplements: In the case of deficiency of soluble vitamins like A, D and K.

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To Conclude

Alagille syndrome is a lifelong condition and babies born with the condition have to work closely with medical experts to reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Genetic testing can help reduce the risk of the condition in future generations.