Table 4.

Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with RAB18 Deficiency

Manifestation/
Concern
TreatmentConsiderations/Other
Cataracts Surgery frequently performed to remove cataractsCataract surgery results are poor due to cortical visual impairment. Glaucoma secondary to cataract surgery reported in several affected persons.
Seizures Treatment by neurologist based on type of seizure presentLong-term treatment may be required. Seizure type in those w/polymicrogyria-associated epilepsy may change over time; neurologic surveillance & potentially altered seizure management may be required.
Motor dysfunction PT to maximize mobility. Contractures are anecdotally responsive to baclofen, Botox®, & orthopedic procedures. 1Consider use of durable medical equipment as needed (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, bath chairs, orthotics, adaptive strollers).
Breathing difficulties Progression of motor dysfunction in later life may affect chest expansion & necessitate use of assisted ventilation; e.g., w/CPAP or breathing apparatus to maintain effective oxygenation.
Feeding difficulties w/resulting malnutrition Gastrostomy tube placementPersons w/Warburg micro syndrome frequently have difficulties chewing & swallowing, &/or dysphagia. Also, aspiration may place affected persons at risk for pulmonary infection.
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism Manifestations anecdotally responsive to hormone replacement therapy. Undescended testes may require surgical mgmt.Differences may exist among medical professionals & w/in families re use of this therapy, which will initiate puberty & may improve subsequent bone mineral density.

CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure; PT = physical therapy

1.

From: RAB18 Deficiency

Cover of GeneReviews®
GeneReviews® [Internet].
Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, et al., editors.
Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024.
Copyright © 1993-2024, University of Washington, Seattle. GeneReviews is a registered trademark of the University of Washington, Seattle. All rights reserved.

GeneReviews® chapters are owned by the University of Washington. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce, distribute, and translate copies of content materials for noncommercial research purposes only, provided that (i) credit for source (http://www.genereviews.org/) and copyright (© 1993-2024 University of Washington) are included with each copy; (ii) a link to the original material is provided whenever the material is published elsewhere on the Web; and (iii) reproducers, distributors, and/or translators comply with the GeneReviews® Copyright Notice and Usage Disclaimer. No further modifications are allowed. For clarity, excerpts of GeneReviews chapters for use in lab reports and clinic notes are a permitted use.

For more information, see the GeneReviews® Copyright Notice and Usage Disclaimer.

For questions regarding permissions or whether a specified use is allowed, contact: ude.wu@tssamda.

NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.