Hypophosphatasia

A list of illnesses that look like ill treatment

Monday, February 28, 2000

Diseases that sometimes mimic child abuse:

Osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease: Affects more than 20,000 people. Similar illnesses: hypophosphatasia, juvenile osteoporosis.

Alagille's syndrome: The liver disease can cause clotting problems and a thin skull that cracks easily. Affects one in 100,000 people.

Byler's disease: It is one of three kinds of liver diseases common among Amish.

Glutaric aciduria, or GA-1: It can lead to a dangerous buildup of acid in newborns, causing brain damage and paralysis. Symptoms include retinal bleeding.

Mongolian spots: The birth marks, in some cases, appear similar to bruising.

Sources: Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation; Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, Pa.; American Academy of Pediatrics; and National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information.

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