Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of Meulengracht disease. Family history Is there a history of frequent liver disease in your family? Social history What is your profession? Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological … Meulengracht’s Disease: Medical History
Blood, hematopoietic organs-immune system (D50-D90). Elliptocytosis – group of rare defects of the erythrocyte (red blood cell) membrane skeleton with autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive inheritance; blood smear shows numerous elliptical erythrocytes (elliptocytes). Immune hemolysis – dissolution of erythrocytes (red blood cells) caused by immune processes. Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (HUS – hemolytic uremic syndrome) – … Meulengracht’s Disease: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
Consequential diseases or complications of Meulengracht disease are not known.
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of the eye) [occasionally slightly yellowish eyes (sclerae)]. Auscultation (listening) of the heart. Auscultation of the lungs Palpation (palpation) of the abdomen … Meulengracht’s Disease: Examination
1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Differential blood count Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT, GGT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin (indirect bilirubin ↑). Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and the … Meulengracht’s Disease: Test and Diagnosis
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Abdominal sonography (ultrasound examination of abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics.
Prevention of Meulengracht disease is not possible. Behavioral risk factors that may lead to increased bilirubin levels in Meulengracht disease: Alcohol consumption Fatigue Stress Decreased intake of calories
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate Meulengracht disease: Nonspecific abdominal pain Anorexia (loss of appetite) Fatigue Cephalgia (headache) Fatigue Depressed mood Icterus of the skin (yellowing of the skin) and eyes (sclerenic icterus); transient when bilirubin levels rise.
Meulengracht’s disease represents a harmless metabolic disorder. Therapy is not necessary. General measures Alcohol restriction (abstaining from alcohol). Aim for normal weight! Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised program for underweight. Review of permanent medication … Meulengracht’s Disease: Therapy
Pathogenesis (disease development) Meulengracht disease is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder that results in hyperbilirubinemia (increased presence of the bile pigment in the blood). There is decreased UDP-glucuronyltransferase and thus decreased formation of conjugated direct bilirubin. Thus, the serum level of indirect bilirubin increases. Etiology (Causes) Biographic causes Genetic burden from parents, grandparents (autosomal dominant). … Meulengracht’s Disease: Causes
