Donohue syndrome

Donohue syndrome
Other names	Leprechaunism
Infant with Donohue syndrome
Specialty	Endocrinology, rheumatology, medical genetics
Prognosis	poor[1]

Donohue syndrome (also known as leprechaunism) is an extremely rare and severe genetic disorder. Leprechaunism derives its name from the hallmark elvish features (small stature, bulging eyes, thick lips, and upturned nostrils) exhibited by the affected individuals. The disease is caused by a mutation in the INSR gene, which contains the genetic information for the formation of insulin receptors.^[2] As a result, affected individuals have either a decreased number of insulin receptors, or insulin receptor with greatly impaired functionality. The lack and impairment of insulin receptor functionality leads to an inability to regulate blood glucose levels through severe insulin resistance. This will ultimately lead to affected development of tissues and organs throughout the body. In addition to the physical abnormalities, leprechaunism is also characterized by endocrine system abnormalities that can lead to conditions such as hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels), hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), hyperinsulemia (high blood insulin levels), and the enlargement of certain sex organs such as the penis in males, and the clitoris in females.