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| {{DiseaseDisorder infobox | | | __NOTOC__ |
| Name = Albinism |
| | {{Albinism}} |
| Image = Albinisitic man portrait.jpg |
| | {{CMG}} {{AE}} {{S.M}} |
| Caption = Albinistic boy |
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| DiseasesDB = 318 |
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| ICD10 = {{ICD10|E|70|3|e|70}} |
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| ICD9 = {{ICD9|270.2}} |
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| ICDO = |
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| OMIM = 203100 |
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| OMIM_mult = {{OMIM4|103470}}, {{OMIM4|203200}}, {{OMIM4|203280}}, {{OMIM4|203290}}, {{OMIM4|203300}}, {{OMIM4|203310}}, {{OMIM4|256710}}, {{OMIM4|278400}}, {{OMIM4|214450}}, {{OMIM4|214500}}, {{OMIM4|220900}}, {{OMIM4|300500}}, {{OMIM4|300600}}, {{OMIM4|300650}}, {{OMIM4|300700}}, {{OMIM4|600501}}, {{OMIM4|604228}}, {{OMIM4|606574}}, {{OMIM4|606952}}, {{OMIM4|607624}}, {{OMIM4|609227}} |
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| MedlinePlus = 001479 |
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| eMedicineSubj = derm |
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| eMedicineTopic = 12 |
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| MeshID = |
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| }}
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| {{SI}}
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| {{CMG}}
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| {{Editor Help}}
| | ==[[Albinism overview|Overview]]== |
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| '''For patient information click [[{{PAGENAME}} (patient information)|here]]'''
| | ==[[Albinism historical perspective|Historical Perspective]]== |
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| '''Albinism''' (from [[Latin]] ''albus''; [[wikt:albino|extended etymology]]), more technically '''hypomelanism''' or '''hypomelanosis''', is a form of [[hypopigmentation|hypopigmentary]] [[congenital disorder]], characterized by a lack of [[melanin]] [[Biological pigment|pigment]] in the eyes, skin and hair (or more rarely the eyes alone). Albinism results from inheritance of [[recessive gene]]s. The condition is known to affect mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. While the most common term for an organism affected by albinism is "albino" (noun and adjective), the word is sometimes used in a derogatory way towards people; more neutral terms are "albinistic" (adjective) and "person with albinism" (noun). Additional clinical adjectives sometimes used to refer to animals are "albinoid" and "albinic".
| | ==[[Albinism classification|Classification]]== |
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| == Causes == | | ==[[Albinism pathophysiology|Pathophysiology]]== |
| Albinism is a [[genetic disorder]]; it is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted through contact, blood transfusions, etc. The principal gene which results in albinism prevents the body from making the usual amounts of the [[biological pigment|pigment]] [[melanin]]. Most forms of albinism are the result of the [[biological inheritance]] of [[dominance relationship|genetically recessive]] [[allele]]s ([[gene]]s) passed from both parents of an individual, though some rare forms are inherited from only one parent. There are other [[genetic mutation]]s which are proven to be associated with albinism. All alterations, however, lead to changes in melanin production in the body.<ref name="eMedicine1">[http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic12.htm "Albinism"], by Dr. Raymond E. Boissy, Dr. James J. Nordlund, et al., at [[eMedicine]], [[22 August]] [[2005]]; retrieved [[31 March]] [[2007]]</ref><ref name="OMIM1">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&DB=omim&term=albinism Online ''Mendelian Inheritance in Man'' Database], at [[Johns Hopkins University]] (see also [[Mendelian Inheritance in Man]] for more information about this source).</ref>
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| Albinism used to be categorized as [[tyrosinase]]-positive or -negative. In cases of tyrosinase-positive albinism, the [[enzyme]] tyrosinase is present. The [[melanocyte]]s (pigment cells) are unable to produce melanin for any one of a variety of reasons that do not directly involve the tyrosinase enzyme. In tyrosinase negative cases, either the tyrosinase enzyme is not produced or a nonfunctional version is produced. This classification has been rendered obsolete by recent research.<ref name="Facts_Albinism"> [http://albinism.med.umn.edu/facts.htm "Facts about Albinism"], by Richard King ''et al''. </ref>
| | ==[[Albinism causes|Causes]]== |
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| The chance of offspring with albinism resulting from the pairing of an organism with albinism and one without albinism is low, as discussed in more detail below. However, because organisms can be carriers of genes for albinism without exhibiting any traits, albinistic offspring can be produced by two non-albinistic parents. Albinism usually occurs with equal frequency in both genders.<ref name="eMedicine1" /> An exception to this is ocular albinism, because it is passed on to offspring through X-linked inheritance. Thus, males more frequently have ocular albinism.<ref name="Facts_Albinism"> [http://albinism.med.umn.edu/facts.htm "Facts about Albinism"], by Richard King ''et al''. </ref>
| | ==[[Albinism differential diagnosis|Differentiating Albinism from Other Diseases]]== |
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| Because organisms with albinism have skin that lacks (sufficiently or entirely) the dark pigment melanin, which helps protect the skin from [[ultraviolet]] [[radiation]] coming from the sun, they can [[sunburn]] easily from overexposure. (See [[human skin color]] for more information). Lack of melanin in the eye also results in problems with vision, related and unrelated to [[photosensitivity]], which are discussed further below.
| | ==[[Albinism epidemiology and demographics|Epidemiology and Demographics]]== |
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| Most humans and many animals with albinism appear white or very pale; the multiple types of melanin pigment are responsible for brown, black, gray, and some yellow colorations. In some animals, especially albinistic birds and reptiles, ruddy and yellow hues or other colors may be present on the entire body or in patches (as is common among pigeons), due to the presence of other pigments unaffected by albinism such as [[porphyrin]]s, [[pteridine]]s and psittacins, as well as [[carotenoid]] pigements derived from the diet. Some animals are white or pale due to [[chromatophore]] (pigment cell) defects, do not lack melanin ''production'', and have normal eyes; they are referred to as [[leucism|leucistic]]. The direct opposite of albinism, an unusually high level of melanin pigmentation (and sometimes absence of other types of pigment in species that have more than one), is known as [[melanism]], and results in an appearance darker than non-melanistic specimens from the same genepool.<ref name="Feinstein">[http://www.birdersworld.com/brd/default.aspx?c=a&id=676 "Feather Colors: What We See"] by Dr. Julie Feinstein of the American Museum of Natural History (NY), in ''Birder's World Magazine'' online archive; sourced December 2006, actual authoring/publication date unspecified.</ref> Albinism-like conditions may affect other pigments or pigment-production mechanisms in some animals (e.g. "whiteface", a lack of psittacins that can affect some parrot species.).<ref name="Hesford">[http://www.birdhobbyist.com/parrotcolour/parblu04.html "The Parblue Puzzle: Part 4 — Common Parblue Varieties: The Cockatiel [''Nymphicus hollandicus'']"] by Clive Hesford, ''The Genetics of Colour in the Budgerigar and Other Parrots'', January 1998</ref> Another is common in reptiles and amphibians: axanthism, in which [[xanthophore]] [[metabolism]], instead of [[Synthesis#Chemical synthesis|synthesis]] of melanin, is affected, resuling in reduction or absence of red and yellow pteridine pigments.<ref name="ABPC">[http://www.livingunderworld.org/biology/caudata/ "Amphibian Biology & Physiology: ''Caudata''"] at ''Amphibian Information Resource: An Educational Web Project About Amphibian Species''; sourced December 2006, actual authoring/publication date unspecified.</ref> Of all these conditions, only albinism and melanism affect humans.
| | ==[[Albinism risk factors|Risk Factors]]== |
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| [[Image:Wistar_rat.jpg|thumb|left|px280|An albino [[Wistar rat]], a strain commonly used for both [[animal testing|biomedical and basic research.]]]]
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| The eyes of an animal with albinism occasionally appear red due to the underlying retinal blood vessels showing through where there is not enough pigment to cover them. In humans this is rarely the case, as a human eye is quite large and thus produces enough pigment to lend opacity to the eye, often colouring the iris pale blue. However, there are cases in which the eyes of an albinistic person appear red or purple, depending on the amount of pigment present.
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| The albinistic are generally (but see related disorders below) as healthy as the rest of their species, with growth and development occurring as normal, and albinism by itself does not cause mortality<ref name="eMedicine1" /> (though the lack of pigment is an elevated risk for skin cancer and other problems.) Many animals with albinism lack their protective camouflage and are unable to conceal themselves from their predators or prey; the survival rate of animals with albinism in the wild is usually quite low. <ref name="survival1">Ilo Hiler, Albinos. ''Young Naturalist''. The Louise Lindsey Merrick Texas Environment Series, No. 6, pp. 28-31. Texas A&M University Press, College Station (1983)</ref> <ref name="survival2"> S. Dobosz, K. Kohlmann, K. Goryczko, H. Kuzminski (2000) Growth and vitality in yellow forms of rainbow trout. ''Journal of Applied Ichthyology.'' 16, 117–120.</ref> However the novelty of albino animals has occasionally led to their protection by groups such as the [[Albino Squirrel Preservation Society]].
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| Intentionally-bred albinistic strains of some animal species are commonly used as [[model organism]]s in biomedical study and experimentation. Examples include the [[BALB/c]] mouse and Wistar and Sprague Dawley rat strains, while albino rabbits were historically used for [[Draize test|Draize toxicity testing]]. <ref name="Draize">Draize, J.H., Woodard, G. & Calvery, H.O. (1944) Methods for the study of irritation and toxicity of substances applied topically to the skin and mucous membranes. ''J. Pharmacol. and Exp. Therapeutics.'' 82, 377–390.</ref> Albino axolotls, zebrafish, medaka and frogs are other common laboratory animals.
| | ==[[Albinism screening|Screening]]== |
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| The incidence of albinism can be artificially increased in
| | ==[[Albinism natural history, complications and prognosis|Natural History, Complications and Prognosis]]== |
| fish by exposing the eggs to [[heavy metals]].<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.ufrgs.br/ni/vol3num1%5CBrito%20&%20Caramaschi.pdf|title=An albino armored catfish ''Schizolecis guntheri'' (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from an Atlantic Forest coastal basin|first=Marcelo F. G.|last=de Brito|coauthors=Caramaschi, Érica P.|journal=Neotropical Ichthyology|volume=3|issue=1|pages=123-125|pages=2005|format=[[PDF]]}}</ref>
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| ==Types of human albinism== | | ==Diagnosis== |
| | [[Albinism Diagnostic Study of Choice|Diagnostic Study of Choice]] | [[Albinism history and symptoms|History and Symptoms]] | [[Albinism physical examination|Physical Examination]] | [[Albinism laboratory findings|Laboratory Findings]] | [[Albinism electrocardiogram|Electrocardiogram]] | [[Albinism x ray|X Ray]] | [[Albinism CT|CT]] | [[Albinism MRI|MRI]] | [[Albinism echocardiography or ultrasound|Echocardiography or Ultrasound]] | [[Albinism other imaging findings|Other Imaging Findings]] | [[Albinism other diagnostic studies|Other Diagnostic Studies]] |
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| About 1 in 17,000 human beings has some type of albinism, although up to 1 in 70 is a carrier of albinism genes.<ref name="Albinism Answers"> [http://www.answers.com/topic/albinism "Albinism"] by Carol A. Turkington at answers.com</ref>
| | ==Treatment== |
| | | [[Albinism medical therapy|Medical Therapy]] | [[Albinism surgery|Surgery]] | [[Albinism primary prevention|Primary Prevention]] | [[Albinism secondary prevention|Secondary Prevention]] | [[Albinism cost-effectiveness of therapy|Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy]] | [[Albinism future or investigational therapies|Future or Investigational Therapies]] | |
| There are two main categories of albinism in humans:
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| * In '''oculocutaneous albinism''' (despite its Latin-derived name meaning "eye-and-skin" albinism), pigment is lacking in the eyes, skin and hair. (The equivalent mutation in non-humans also results in lack of melanin in the fur, scales or feathers.)
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| * In '''ocular albinism''', only the eyes lack pigment. People with oculocutaneous albinism can have anywhere from no pigment at all to almost-normal levels. People who have ocular albinism have generally normal skin and hair color, and many even have a normal eye appearance.
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| While there is only one major type of ocular albinism, there are several varieties of oculocutaneous albinism (and disorders which produce the same or similar results), some of which have subtypes. Some are easily distinguished by appearance, but in most cases, genetic testing is the only way to be certain.
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| ===Oculocutaneous albinism family=== | |
| [[Image:Albino girl honduras.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Girl from [[Honduras]] with probable OCA1a.]] | |
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| *'''Oculocutaneous albinism type 1''' ('''OCA1''') ({{OMIM|203100}}) is the type with (usually) the least amount of pigment. People with this type generally have very pale skin, white to yellow hair (depending on subtype, see below) and light blue eyes; however there are cases in which the irises can appear pink or violet, depending on the amount of blue (non-melanin){{Fact|date=February 2007}} pigment present in the irises and the level and direction of light available to the observer. OCA1 is caused by an alteration of the [[tyrosinase]] gene, and can occur in two variations. The first is '''OCA1a''', and means that the organism cannot develop pigment at all. The hair is usually white (often translucent) and the skin very pale. Vision usually ranges from 20/200 to 20/400. The second is '''OCA1b''', which has several subtypes itself. Some individuals with OCA1b can tan and also develop pigment in the hair.<ref name="Facts_Albinism">[http://albinism.med.umn.edu/facts.htm "Facts about Albinism"], by Dr. Richard King et al.</ref><!--New facts were added without additional sources, implying that this reference sources both the older material and the new additions. This may or may not be the case.--> One subtype of OCA1b is called '''OCA1b TS''' (temperature sensitive), where the [[tyrosinase]] can only function below a certain temperature, which causes the body hair in cooler body regions to develop pigment (i.e. get darker). (An equivalent mutation produces the coat pattern in Siamese cats{{Fact|date=February 2007}}.) Another variant of OCA1b, called '''Albinism, yellow mutant type''' ({{OMIM3|606952}}) is more common among the Amish than in other populations, and results in blonde hair and the eventual development of skin pigmentation during infancy, though at birth is difficult to distinguish from other types.<ref name="OMIM1" /><ref name="eMedicine2">[http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic260.htm "Ocular Manifestations of Albinism"], by Dr. Mohammed O. Peracha, at [[eMedicine]], [[13 September]] [[2005]]; retrieved [[31 March]] [[2007]]</ref> About 1 in 40,000 people have some form of OCA1.<ref name="eMedicine1" /><ref name="OMIM1" />
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| *'''Oculocutaneous albinism type 2''' ('''OCA2''') ({{OMIM3|203200}}), the most common type of albinism, is caused by mutation of the P gene. People with OCA2 generally have more pigment and better vision than those with OCA1, but cannot tan like some with OCA1b. A little pigment can develop in freckles or moles.<ref name="Facts_Albinism"> [http://albinism.med.umn.edu/facts.htm "Facts about Albinism"], by Dr. Richard King et al. </ref> People with OCA2 usually have fair skin but not as pale as OCA1, and pale blonde to golden or reddish-blonde hair, and most commonly blue eyes. Affected people of African descent usually have a different [[phenotype]] (appearance): yellow hair, pale skin, and blue, gray or hazel eyes. About 1 in 15,000 people have OCA2.<ref name="eMedicine1" /><ref name="OMIM1" />
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| *'''Oculocutaneous albinism type 3''' ('''OCA3''', or [[Wiktionary:rufous|rufous]] albinism) ({{OMIM3|203290}}) has only been partially researched and documented. It is caused by mutation of the tyrosinase-related protein-1 (Tyrp1) gene. Cases have been reported in Africa and New Guinea. Affected individuals typically have red hair, reddish-brown skin and blue or gray eyes. Variants may be the recently-identified '''minimal pigment type albinism''' ({{OMIM3|203280}}) and '''rufous oculocutaneous albinism''' ('''ROCA''' or '''xanthism''') ({{OMIM3|278400}}). The incidence rate of OCA3 is unknown.<ref name="eMedicine1" /><ref name="OMIM1" />
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| *'''Oculocutaneous albinism type 4''' ('''OCA4''') ({{OMIM3|606574}}) is very rare outside of Japan, where OCA4 accounts for 24% of albinism cases. OCA4 can only be distinguished from OCA2 through genetic testing, and is caused by mutation of the membrane-associated transporter protein (MATP) gene.<ref name="eMedicine1" /><ref name="OMIM1" />
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| *'''[[Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome]]''' ('''HPS''') ({{OMIM3|203300}}) is not a type of OCA, technically, but has similar features. HPS has a great range of degrees of pigmentation, from OCA1a-like to almost-normal coloring. Vision usually ranges from 20/60 to 20/200. Apart from the hypopigmentation and impaired vision, people with HPS lack dense bodies in their blood [[platelets]] which are responsible for releasing [[blood clotting|clotting]] factors. For this reason, HPS patients bruise easily and have a hard time stopping bleeding once it begins ([[bleeding diathesis]], similarly to [[hemophilia]]). HPS has seven known forms ('''HPS-1''' through '''HPS-7'''), each caused by a different autosomal recessive gene mutation. HPS-1 and HPS-4 may also include [[pulmonary fibrosis]], or scarring of lung tissue that prevents the necessary expansion and contraction during breathing. It is believed that this is due to a buildup of fatty [[ceroid]] in the lungs. [[Colitis]], or inflammation in the large intestine, is another symptom of most types of HPS, which may cause [[diarrhea]], [[nausea]], and blood in the stool. HPS is rare generally, but affects 1 in 1800 Puerto Ricans, and is typically fatal by middle age.<ref name="eMedicine1" /><ref name="OMIM1" />
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| *'''[[Chediak-Higashi syndrome]]''' ('''CHS''') ({{OMIM3|214500}}), like HPS, is not technically a form of OCA, but produces similar results. CHS, caused by mutation of the LYST gene, is very rare, and is associated with other medical problems, such as [[immune system]] dysfunction that leads to a high [[infant mortality]] rate, HPS-like hemophilia, and [[nervous system|neurological]] problems, among many others, in 85% of sufferers.<ref name="eMedicine1" /><ref name="OMIM1" />
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| *'''[[Griscelli syndrome]]''' ('''GS''') is similar to CHS in symptoms (and also very rare). It is divided into three types, '''GS1''' ({{OMIM3|214450}}), '''GS2''' ({{OMIM3|607624}}) and '''GS3''' ({{OMIM3|609227}}). Each type is due to a different autosomal recessive gene mutation. Type 1 produces mainly neurological problems in addition to albinism, while type 2 produces mainly immunological issues as well as the hypopigmentation, and type 3 only evidences hypomelanosis without either of the other sorts of problems. People affected by GS differ in appearance from those with OCA, having silvery-grey hair. A fourth and even rarer variant, '''partial albinism and immunodeficiency syndrome''' ('''PAID''') ({{OMIM3|604228}}), has been identified and requires further study. An additional type called '''Elejalde syndrome''' ({{OMIM3|256710}}) may exist, but some researchers believe it is actually simply GS1. GS2, because of its immune system effects, results in a very high mortality rate among children and young adults that have it.<ref name="eMedicine1" /><ref name="OMIM1" />
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| ===Ocular albinism family===
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| *'''Ocular albinism, type 1''' ('''OA1''') ({{OMIM3|300500}}), also known as Nettleship-Falls syndrome, is the most common variety of ''ocular albinism'', which affects the eyes but generally not the skin or hair. OA1 is usually associated with nystagmus, and difficult to otherwise detect in females; males show more readily observable symptoms. There are several other identified types of OA, though researchers are not all agreed on the distinctions and classification. Most are caused by a mutation in a gene on the [[X chromosome]], and are [[X-linked]] recessive traits.
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| *'''Ocular albinism, type 2''' ('''OA2''') ({{OMIM3|300600}}), also known as Forsius-Eriksson syndrome or "Åland Island eye disease", mostly only affects males though females are often carriers and can sometimes be symptomatic; it is frequently linked with protanopic dichromacy (a form of [[color blindness]]) and with night blindness ([[nyctalopia]]).
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| *'''Ocular albinism, type 3''' ('''OA3''') ({{OMIM3|203310}}), also known as ocular albinism, autosomal recessive (OAR) is a non-X-linked variant, which may be more common among the Amish than in other populations.
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| *'''Ocular albinism with sensorineural deafness''' ('''OASD''') ({{OMIM3|300650}}), and as its name implies is associated with [[deafness|loss of hearing]].
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| *'''[[Waardenburg syndrome]], type 2, with ocular albinism''' ('''WS2-OA''') ({{OMIM3|103470}}) is a rare non-X-linked recessive gene variant.
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| The skin color of people affected by OA ''can'' be slightly lighter than those of the rest of their families. The eye color can vary greatly, and in some cases only examination of the [[retina]] or genetic testing can reveal OA for certain. Some form of OA afflicts 1 in 50,000 people, though certain isolated populations are at greater risk.<ref name="eMedicine1" /><ref name="OMIM1" />
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| ===Other types===
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| Other rare variants of albinism are theorized (by ongoing research as of 2007) to exist, such as
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| * '''Albinism-deafness syndrome''' ('''ADFN''') ({{OMIM3|300700}}, which may actually be closer related to [[vitiligo]]); it is predominantly observed among Hopi Native Americans (with an incidence estimated at{{Fact|date=April 2007}} 1 in 200 individuals)
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| * '''Recessive total albinism with congenital deafness''' ({{OMIM3|220900}})
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| * '''Albinism black-lock cell-migration disorder syndrome''' ('''ABCD''') ({{OMIM3|600501}})<ref name="OMIM1" />
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| == Symptoms and conditions associated with albinism ==
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| [[Genetic testing]] can confirm albinism and what variety it is, but offers no medical benefits except in the cases of non-OCA disorders (see below) that cause albinism ''along with'' other medical problems which may be treatable. The ''symptoms'' of albinism can be treated by various methods detailed below. | |
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| Eye conditions common in albinism may include:
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| * [[Nystagmus]], irregular rapid movement of the eyes back and forth, or in circular motion.
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| * [[Strabismus]], eye misalignment ("crossed eyes" or "lazy eye").
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| * Refractive errors such as [[myopia]] or [[hyperopia]] and especially [[astigmatism]] are more likely<ref name="Albinism_Diagnosis"> [http://bjo.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/82/2/189 "Albinism: Modern molecular diagnosis"]</ref>
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| * [[Photophobia]], [[hypersensitivity]] to bright light and glare.
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| * Foveal hypoplasia, underdevelopment of the [[fovea]], the center of the [[retina]]
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| * [[Optic nerve hypoplasia]], underdevelopment of the optic nerve
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| * Abnormal decussation (crossing) of the optic nerve fibers in the [[optic chiasm]]<ref name="Optometry_Albinism"> [http://www.revoptom.com/HANDBOOK/SECT58a.HTM "Albinism - Review of Optometry Online"]</ref>
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| * [[Amblyopia]], decrease in acuity of one or both eyes due to poor transmission to the brain, often due to other conditions such as strabismus
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| [[Image:Albinistic girl papua new guinea.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Albinistic girl from [[Papua New Guinea]]]]
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| Organisms with albinism usually have impaired vision due to one or more of the listed conditions. While a person with albinism may suffer from common refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness, the visual problems particularly associated with albinism arise from a poorly-developed [[retinal pigment epithelium]] (RPE) due to the lack of melanin {{Fact|date=February 2007}}. This degenerate RPE causes foveal [[hypoplasia]] (a failure in the development of normal [[fovea]]e), which results in eccentric fixation and lower visual acuity, and often a minor level of strabismus. Nystagmus is usually seen, as is [[photophobia]] or light sensitivity (see below).
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| The [[Iris (anatomy)|iris]] is a [[sphincter]] with pigmented tissue (which makes up the color of the eyes) that contracts to limit the amount of light that can enter through the pupil and relaxes again to allow for better vision in darkness. This mechanism can be observed in humans and mammals (like in cat's eyes) and is needed because too much light is uncomfortable or even painful and decreases vision. In people with albinism, the iris does not have enough pigment to block the light, thus the decrease of pupil diameter is only partially successful in reducing the amount of light that enters the eye. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}. Additionally, the improper development of the RPE, which in normal eyes absorbs most of the reflected sunlight, further increases glare due to light scattering within the eye.<ref name="Optometry_Albinism"> [http://www.revoptom.com/HANDBOOK/SECT58a.HTM "Albinism - Review of Optometry Online"]</ref> The resulting sensitivity (photophobia) generally leads to a dislike of and discomfort in bright light, but does not prevent people with albinism enjoying the outdoors, especially when using sunglasses and/or brimmed hats.<ref name="Facts_Albinism"> [http://albinism.med.umn.edu/facts.htm "Facts about Albinism"], by Dr. Richard King et al. </ref>
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| The lack of pigment also makes the skin unusually sensitive to sunlight and thus susceptible to [[sunburn]], so people with albinism should either avoid prolonged exposure to bright sunlight or protect their skin.
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| ==Treatment of the symptoms==
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| Albinism is a condition that cannot be "cured" or "treated" per se, but small things can be done to improve the quality of life for those affected. Most importantly to improve vision, protect the eyes from bright lights, and avoid skin damage from sunlight. The extent and success rate of these measures depend on the type of albinism and severity of the symptoms; in particular, people with ocular albinism are likely to have normally-pigmented skin, and thus do not need to take special precautions against skin damage.
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| ===Surgical treatment===
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| For the most part, treatment of the eye conditions consists of visual rehabilitation.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Surgery is possible on the ocular muscles to decrease [[nystagmus]], [[strabismus]] and common refractive errors like [[astigmatism]]. Strabismus surgery may improve the appearance of the eyes.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} [[Nystagmus]]-damping surgery can also be performed, to reduce the "shaking" of the eyes back and forth.<ref name="Surgical management of nystagmus">[http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1279676, by John Lee]</ref> The effectiveness of all these procedures varies greatly and depends on individual circumstances. More importantly, since surgery will not restore a normal RPE or foveae, surgery will not provide fine binocular vision.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} In the case of [[esotropia]] (the "crossed eyes" form of strabismus), surgery may help vision by expanding the [[visual field]] (the area that the eyes can see while looking at one point).{{Fact|date=February 2007}} <!-- citation tagging temporarily stops here -->
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| ===Vision aids===
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| [[Glasses]] and other vision aids, [[large-print]] materials and [[closed captioning]], as well as bright but angled reading lights, can help individuals with albinism, even though their vision cannot be corrected completely. Some albinistic people do well using [[bifocals]] (with a strong reading lens), prescription reading glasses, and/or hand-held devices such as magnifiers or monoculars.<ref name="Facts_Albinism"> {{cite web |url=http://albinism.med.umn.edu/facts.htm |title=Facts about Albinism}} |first=Richard |last=King}} </ref> [[Contact lenses]] may be colored to block light transmission through the <!--commenting out unexplained term for now: aniridic -->iris. Some use bioptics, glasses which have small telescopes mounted on, in, or behind their regular lenses, so that they can look through either the regular lens or the telescope. Newer designs of bioptics use smaller light-weight lenses. Some US states allow the use of bioptic telescopes for driving motor vehicles. (See also NOAH bulletin "Low Vision Aids".)<!-- Link that. Where is it? --> | |
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| Although still disputed among the experts, many [[ophthalmology|ophthalmologists]] recommend the use of glasses from early childhood onward to allow the eyes the best development possible.
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| [[Optometry|Optometrists]] or ophthalmologists who are experienced in working with [[low vision]] patients can recommend various optical aids. Clinics may provide these aids on trial loan, and provide instruction in their use. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afb.org/ |title=The American Foundation for the Blind}}</ref> maintains a directory of low vision clinics.
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| === Sun protection ===
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| It is vital that people with albinism use sunscreen when exposed to sunlight to prevent premature skin aging or [[skin cancer]]. This poses a problem for those who cannot afford [[sunscreen]], especially in regions with high exposure to sunlight, as in Africa. Special sun protective clothing and swimsuits are available and are a good alternative to excessive use of sunscreen.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
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| Use of [[sunglasses]] and hats with wide brims can make the glare outside bearable. Other things that can help people with albinism are avoiding sudden changes of the lighting situation (switching the light on in complete darkness), using dimmable switches and adding tint to car windows or blinds to normal windows. Lights should be yellowish rather than blue and not point towards the usual position of a person with albinism (like their seat at a table). When possible, people with albinism generally prefer to have the light on their backs rather than face it.
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| ==Misconceptions==
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| While some of the very rare albinism disorders that are coupled with deafness and immunodeficiency appear to be linked with inbreeding,<ref name="OMIM1" /> the vast majority of sufferers of common albinism are not the product of such unions; the more usual albinism genes are widespread enough that they can easily produce albinistic offspring from parents that are not related.
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| A common misconception is that albinistic individuals of a species are sterile; they are in fact fully capable of reproducing. It is also thought by many that people with albinism live short life spans. This is not true in general, but may be a distorted view of a more reasonable fact that people with albinism have a higher risk of skin cancer if they do not use proper skin protection when in the sun. (Some very rare variants of albinism are lethal in and of themselves by adulthood or sooner, but they are so little-known by the general public that they are unlikely to have contributed to this belief.)
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| ==Culture==
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| [[Image:Afro brazilian albino pride.jpg|thumb|right|250px| [[Afro-Brazilian]] albino pride parade during [[Bahia]] carnival]]
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| <!--These section needs a subsection on NON-FOLKLORIC and NON-POP-CULTURE cultural reactions and handling of albinism and people with albinism, followed by an "In popular culture" subheading to separate it from the material below. -->
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| While on the physical side, humans with albinism commonly have vision problems and need sun protection, they also face a social challenge, as the condition is often a source of ridicule, discrimination or even fear.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
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| Due to albinism's effect on one's outward appearance, cultures around the world have developed many superstitions regarding people with albinism, who are believed by some to have magical powers or to be able to tell the future,{{Fact|date=February 2007}} a common theme in fiction as well. For example, in Zimbabwe, modern folklore posits that sexual intercourse with an albinistic person will cure one of HIV, leading to the rape (and subsequent HIV infection) of women with albinism in that region.<ref>[http://ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=14122 ipsnews.net]</ref> In Jamaica, people with albinism were historically degraded, and regarded as "cursed".{{Fact|date=April 2007}} A long-standing American urban legend is that of alleged "albino colonies" in rural New Jersey.
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| Portrayals of people with albinism in literature and films are rarely positive. This fact is sometimes referred to as the ''"evil albino" stereotype'', or ''albino bias''. While this stereotype is common, in recent years a few more positive roles have also been cast for mock-albino actors and occasionally genuinely albinistic ones.
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| A number of real people with albinism have become famous, including historical figures such as King Edward the Confessor of England, Emperor Seinei of Japan, and Oxford don William Archibald Spooner; musicians such as Johnny and Edgar Winter, Winston "King Yellowman" Foster, Brother Ali, and Willie "Piano Red" Perryman; even a fashion model, Connie Chiu.
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| There have also been some well-known albino animals, including Migaloo (an Australian whale), Copito de Nieve (a Barcelona Zoo gorilla), and Snowdrop (a Bristol Zoo penguin).
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| ==See also== | | ==See also== |
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| * [[Melanism]] (or melanosis), the condition of having an unusually high level of skin pigmentation | | * [[Melanism]] (or melanosis), the condition of having an unusually high level of skin pigmentation |
| * [[Leucism]], a condition similar to albinism in animals, characterized by reduced pigmentation | | * [[Leucism]], a condition similar to albinism in animals, characterized by reduced pigmentation |
| * Albinism in popular culture
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| * [[List of Mendelian traits in humans]] | | * [[List of Mendelian traits in humans]] |
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| {{reflist|2}} | | {{reflist|2}} |
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| ==External links==
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| ==== Albinism support organizations ====
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| * [http://www.positiveexposure.org Positive Exposure] — Non-profit organization founded by photographer Rick Guidotti, "dedicated to celebrating the spirit of difference". Focuses on genetic conditions, especially albinism.
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| * [http://www.hpsnetwork.org/ Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network] (US-based)
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| * [http://www.albinism.org NOAH] — National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (USA); also has an online support group
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| * [http://albinism.med.umn.edu/ International Albinism Center] (research project based at the University of Minnesota, USA)
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| * [http://www.albinism.org.uk Albinism Fellowship] (UK and Ireland)
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| * [http://www.albinismaustralia.org AFA] — Albinism Fellowship of Australia
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| * [http://www.albino-alliance.com Albino Alliance] A support group/forum for people living with albinism in Australia
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| * [http://www.thealbinofoundation.com TAF] — The Albino Foundation (Nigeria & USA)
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| * [http://albinismo.es ALBA] — Asociación de Ayuda a Personas con Albinismo [Aid Association to Persons with Albinism] (Spain) {{es icon}}
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| * [http://www.albinismo.org OLA] — Organización Latinoamericana de Albinismo [Latin-American Albinism Organization] (Mexico) {{es icon}}
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| ==== Other ====
| | [[Category:Endocrinology]] |
| * [http://www.zebracorn.com/Splash.htm "The Golden Child: People of African Ancestry with Albinism"]
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| * [http://www.michaelstevenson.com/contemporary/exhibitions/hugo/albino.htm Portraits of people with albinism] by Pieter Hugo
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| * [http://home10.inet.tele.dk/brandt/albeng.htm People with albinism from Zimbabwe]
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| ===Albinism in animals===
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| * [http://www.messybeast.com/albinism/albino-index.htm Albino and white mammals and birds]
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| * [http://allaboutfrogs.org/weird/strange/albino.html Albino frogs]
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| * [http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/cyprinids2/p/albinotigerbarb.htm Albino tiger barb fish]
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| * [http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/catfish/acory.php Albino ''Corydorus paleatus'' catfish]
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| * [http://www.roadsideamerica.com/set/squirrels.html Albino squirrels]
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