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Acquired Generalized
Lipodystrophy synonym
Lawrence Syndrome Acquired
Generalized Lipodystrophy is a
rare disease. It is characterized by generalized disappearance of body
fat after birth. These patients have normal fat at birth. The
onset of lipodystrophy occurs in the childhood and adolescence and may
occur following infections such as varicella, measles, pertussis,
diphtheria, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, parotitis, infectious
mononucleosis, and hepatitis. Clinical features:
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Patients lose body fat over a
period of months or years. Eventually generalized loss of fat may
occur resulting in muscular appearance and prominent superficial
veins. Almost all areas of the body can be affected
although in some patients some areas may be spared. |
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Increased linear growth may be
seen in the children. |
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Dark velvety pigmentation (acanthosis
nigricans) may also occur in the axilla and neck. |
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Excess body hair, enlargement
of genitalia (clitoromegaly) and occasional ovarian cysts may be
seen in the females. |
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These patients also have
elevated basal metabolic rate and a voracious appetite. |
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Levels of serum triglycerides
are high. Diabetes occurs usually after the onset of lipodystrophy |
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Patients with acquired
generalized lipodystrophy may also develop other autoimmune
disorders like vitiligo (light-colored spots on skin), sicca
syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, thyroiditis and
chronic active hepatitis. |
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There is a female preponderance
with a male to female ratio of 1:3, respectively. |
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