![]() ![]() Affected individuals sometimes have abnormally shaped red blood cells called stomatocytes. This type of anemia is called hemolytic anemia. The red blood cells may be broken down (undergo hemolysis) prematurely, resulting in a shortage of red blood cells ( anemia ). Occasionally the blood abnormalities are the only signs of the disorder. Less often, affected individuals have blood abnormalities. Joint stiffness and pain resulting from plant sterol deposits may also occur in individuals with sitosterolemia. Large xanthomas can cause pain, difficulty with movement, and cosmetic problems. They may also occur in the bands that connect muscles to bones (tendons), including tendons of the hand and the tendon that connects the heel of the foot to the calf muscles (the Achilles tendon). Xanthomas consist of accumulated lipids and may be located anywhere on or just under the skin, typically on the heels, knees, elbows, and buttocks. ![]() Some people with sitosterolemia develop small yellowish growths called xanthomas beginning in childhood. These deposits narrow the arteries and can eventually block blood flow, increasing the chance of a heart attack, stroke, or sudden death. ![]() In people with sitosterolemia, accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries ( atherosclerosis ) can occur as early as childhood. Signs and symptoms of sitosterolemia may begin to appear early in life after foods containing plant sterols are introduced into the diet, although some affected individuals have no obvious symptoms. Plant sterols are not produced by the body they are taken in as components of foods. However, some people with sitosterolemia have normal cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels are particularly high in some affected children. Cholesterol, a similar fatty substance found in animal products, is mildly to moderately elevated in many people with sitosterolemia. Sitosterol is one of several plant sterols that accumulate in this disorder, with a blood level 30 to 100 times greater than normal. These lipids are called plant sterols (or phytosterols). Sitosterolemia is a condition in which fatty substances (lipids) from vegetable oils, nuts, and other plant-based foods accumulate in the blood and tissues. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |