Abstract

Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy is a form of osteodystrophy, and is classified as the phenotype of pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A; this is a condition in which the body does not respond to parathyroid hormone.

Signs/symptoms

The disorder is characterized by the following:

Individuals with Albright hereditary osteodystrophy exhibit short stature, characteristically shortened fourth and fifth metacarpals, rounded facies, and often mild intellectual deficiency. Albright hereditary osteodystrophy is commonly known as pseudohypoparathyroidism because the kidney responds as if parathyroid hormone were absent. Blood levels of parathyroid hormone are elevated in pseudohypoparathyroidism due to the hypocalcemia

Genetics

This condition is associated with genetic imprinting. It is thought to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, and seems to be associated with a Gs alpha subunit deficiency.

Mechanism

The mechanism of this condition is due to Gs signaling decrease in hormones having to do with signal transduction which is when a signal from outside cell causes change within the cell (in function). Renal tubular cells don't expresses paternal only maternal alleles(variant form of a gene).

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy is based on the following exams below:

- CBC

- Urine test

- MRI

Treatment

Treatment consists of maintaining normal levels of calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D. Phosphate binders, supplementary Calcium and Vitamin D will be used as required.

History

The disorder bears the name of Fuller Albright, who characterized it in 1942. He was also responsible for naming it "Sebright bantam syndrome," after the Sebright bantam chicken, which demonstrates an analogous hormone insensitivity. Much less commonly, the term Martin-Albright syndrome is used, this refers to Eric Martin.