Treatments
There are treatments available for Menkes’ Disease. The most common
treatment is copper injection therapy. Infants that are diagnosed and begin
treatment within days of birth have the best outcome. However, since newborn
screening for this disease is unavailable, newborns are rarely diagnosed. The
prognosis for this disease is not the best. Most children with Menkes’ Disease
within a decade after birth. Some patients show great improvement. However,
other patients have minimal improvement or die despite the early intervention.
Physical and Occupational Therapy is another option available. Physical and Occupational
Therapy can maximize the potential and the functioning of a child with Menkes’ Disease.
Physical therapy includes activities and exercises that build motor skills and improve
strength, posture, and balance. Occupational therapy helps people conduct their
everyday tasks and make the most of their skills, abilities, and interests.
Researchers have developed a blood test to detect Menkes disease in newborns.
This test measures four different chemicals in the blood which can diagnose Menkes before
the symptoms appear. This test extends the survival rate of children, because it allows for early
diagnosis and treatment.
treatment is copper injection therapy. Infants that are diagnosed and begin
treatment within days of birth have the best outcome. However, since newborn
screening for this disease is unavailable, newborns are rarely diagnosed. The
prognosis for this disease is not the best. Most children with Menkes’ Disease
within a decade after birth. Some patients show great improvement. However,
other patients have minimal improvement or die despite the early intervention.
Physical and Occupational Therapy is another option available. Physical and Occupational
Therapy can maximize the potential and the functioning of a child with Menkes’ Disease.
Physical therapy includes activities and exercises that build motor skills and improve
strength, posture, and balance. Occupational therapy helps people conduct their
everyday tasks and make the most of their skills, abilities, and interests.
Researchers have developed a blood test to detect Menkes disease in newborns.
This test measures four different chemicals in the blood which can diagnose Menkes before
the symptoms appear. This test extends the survival rate of children, because it allows for early
diagnosis and treatment.