• Journal of The Korean Dental Society of Anesthesiology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.45-49
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• 2010

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare X-linked genetic disorder associated with various central nervous system problems and adrenal insufficiency. It is common in childhood and symptoms include loss of previously acquired neurological abilities, seizures, ataxia, Addison's disease as well as degeneration of visual and auditory function. These children frequently require anesthesia during imagining procedure such as MRI or during some surgical procedures like gastrostomy. There is special need for careful management because of numerous anesthetic challenges like difficulty in cooperation, seizure disorders, life-threatening airway obstruction, copious oral secretion and possibility of aspiration. In addition, adrenal involvement and hypofunction must be considered for safe anesthesia management. We report a successful anesthetic management in a patient with ALD for dental procedures.

• The Journal of Korea Assosiation for Disability and Oral Health
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.107-110
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• 2013

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare, inherited disorder that leads to progressive brain damage and failure of the adrenal glands. It is passed down from parents to their children as an X-linked genetic trait. Therefore, it affects primarily males especially under the age of 10. People with ALD have excessive accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in their brain because they do not have the enzyme which break down these fatty acids. Special method for treatment of ALD is not available. Eating a diet low in VLCFAs and taking special oils, called Lorenzo's oil, can lower the blood levels of VLCFAs. But this oil cannot stop the destruction of nerve cell. This article presents a case report: Dental treatment of a 11-year-old male patient with ALD under general anesthesia. Careful management must be required during treatment procedure because of difficulty in cooperation, seizure disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, pulmonary aspiration and airway complications.