Clinical practice guidelines for albinism

Abstract

Albinism is an autosomal or X-linked recessive Mendelian trait in man, which mainly manifests as hypopigmentation and related lesions of eye, skin and hair. At least 18 genes have so far been identified as causative genes for albinism. The mutational spectrum is population-specific. Molecular genotyping of albinism is important for genetic and prenatal diagnosis, and is a prerequisite for the practice of precision medicine. Based on long-term study of albinism in Chinese population, a guideline for the clinical management of albinism is provided.