Emily Malcolm,  —

Articles by Emily Malcolm

Will I Pass XLH to My Children?

If you have a rare genetic disease like X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), and are considering whether to have a baby, you may wonder if your children will inherit the progressive disorder. You and your partner should discuss this possibility with your doctor, who may recommend genetic testing. What causes…

Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis for XLH

If you have a family history of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and are planning to start a family, you may want to consider prenatal genetic diagnosis. What is prenatal genetic diagnosis? Prenatal genetic diagnosis is a process to determine, before your baby is born, whether it will have a…

XLH and Pregnancy

If you are a woman with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), you may  wonder if you can become pregnant, and what the risks may be for you and your baby. Can patients with XLH become pregnant? Women with XLH can become pregnant, and there is no indication so far that the…

Genetic Testing for XLH

Genetic testing looks for changes in a person’s genome, or complete set of DNA. These changes might indicate the presence of a genetic disease like X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). What causes XLH? Mutations in a gene called PHEX are known to cause XLH. This gene encodes for an…

Traveling When You Have XLH: Dos and Don’ts

If you have a rare disease like X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), traveling safely can be challenging. Here are a few tips to get you started in planning your next trip for work or fun: Do This When Traveling Do plan extra time at train stations, bus terminals, and airports.

Tips for Managing Fatigue When You Have XLH

Patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) commonly report symptoms of fatigue, pain and stiffness. Feeling fatigued can make work, school, and daily tasks more challenging to manage. Here are some tips for managing fatigue: Keep track of your energy levels Keeping a log of your symptoms throughout the…

Warning Signs of Depression in People with XLH

Living with a chronic disease, such as X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), can be very stressful. You may feel as if you’ve lost control of your life, a major source of anxiety. Some people with XLH speak of experiencing considerable fatigue, stiffness, and chronic pain. Adults with XLH also report a fear of…

How to Deal with Pseudofractures in XLH

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare genetic disease characterized by low phosphate levels in the blood. As a result, patients’ bones may be weak and fracture easily. The severity of the symptoms of XLH varies greatly from patient to patient. What are pseudofractures? Pseudofractures look a lot…

What Is the XLH Disease Monitoring Program?

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare genetic disease characterized by low levels of phosphate in the blood. Because XLH is so rare, and symptoms can vary so much among patients, it’s very hard to predict what medications will be most effective for any one person, and how…