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Pearson syndrome is characterized by refractory sideroblastic anemia, vacuolization of bone marrow precursors and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction.
Data assembled from 8 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 20, 2026, 1:11 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Features include always present findings: Type I diabetes mellitus, Hypoplastic anemia, Complex organic aciduria, and Metabolic acidosis and others; and very common findings: Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly). 37 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Digestive system | 10 | Hepatic failure, Malabsorption, Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) |
Blood and immune system | 8 | Hypoplastic anemia, Recurrent infections, Low red blood cell count (anemia) |
Lab test results | 2 | Elevated circulating hepatic transaminase concentration, Hyperbilirubinemia |
Bones and joints | 1 | Elevated bone marrow ring sideroblast count |
Eyes | 1 | Punctate keratitis |
Skin | 1 | Erythema |
Hormones | 1 | Type I diabetes mellitus |
Growth and development | 1 | Failure to thrive |
Pregnancy and birth | 1 | Hydrops fetalis |
Metabolism | 1 | Metabolic acidosis |
Muscles | 1 | Villous atrophy |
Kidneys and urinary system | 1 | Renal Fanconi syndrome |
Single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndromes (SLSMDSs) predominantly comprise overlapping phenotypes including Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS), KSS spectrum, Pearson syndrome (PS), chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), and CPEO-plus . Leigh syndrome is rarely a manifestation of a single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion (SLSMD). Table 2. Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes: Frequency of Phenotypes
Phenotype | Cohort of 34 Children1 | Cohort of 228 Adults Children2 |
|---|---|---|
KSS | 29% | 7% |
KSS spectrum | 0% | 25% |
A diagnostic algorithm has been proposed for single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndromes (SLSMDSs) by .
SLSMDSs should be suspected in probands with clinical features present in any of the following overlapping phenotypes.
Clinical features. Onset before age 20 years with the classic clinical triad of:
Pigmentary retinopathy (progressive vision impairment due to rod-cone dystrophy), the pivotal feature that distinguishes KSS from chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO)
CPEO including ptosis
Cardiac conduction abnormality including bundle branch block, which may progress to complete heart block
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) and chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) must be differentiated from other disorders associated with ophthalmoplegia. The ptosis in individuals with single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndromes (SLSMDSs) is typically asymmetric, compared to the other causes listed in , in which the ptosis is typically more symmetric as well as fluctuating.
Table 4.
Disorders with Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia to Consider in the Differential Diagnosis of KSS and CPEO
Gene | Disorder | MOI | Features of This Disorder Not Typically Associated with KSS or CPEO
~35 genes incl:CHATCHRNECOLQDOK7RAPSN | Congenital myasthenic syndromes (See also Myasthenia Gravis after this table.) | ARAD1 | • Primary muscle disorders
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
Biomarker and diagnostic research for Pearson syndrome has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for Pearson syndrome. An additional 1 compound holds orphan drug designation.
While no drugs are FDA-approved specifically for Pearson syndrome, some of the following designated compounds may be used off-label in clinical practice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a specialist familiar with this condition.
The following drugs have received orphan drug designation from the FDA for Pearson syndrome. Orphan designation reflects regulatory interest and does not indicate approval for treatment.
Brand Name | Generic Name | Sponsor | Designated | Exclusivity End | Designation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
autologous CD34+ Cells Enriched with Blood Derived Mitochondria | autologous CD34+ Cells Enriched with Blood Derived Mitochondria | Minovia Therapeutics Ltd. | 2019 | — | Designated |
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease in an individual diagnosed with a single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndrome (SLSMDS), the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to diagnosis) are recommended. Table 6. Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Neurologic | Neurologic eval | To consider brain MRI (esp before cochlear implants or pacemaker are indicated); Consider EEG if seizures are a concern in the setting of normal electrolytes (i.e., unprovoked seizures). |
Hearing | Audiologic eval |
Volatile anesthetic hypersensitivity may occur. Avoid prolonged treatment with propofol (30-60 minutes) . Guidelines for anesthesia in individuals with mitochondrial disease are available . Note: Previously, avoidance of numerous medications was recommended in individuals with primary mitochondrial disorders including SLSMDSs. However, a recent expert review panel utilizing a Delphi consensus method updated the recommendations on medication safety and advised affected individuals to consult with the physician managing their mitochondrial disease.
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
2 trials found
The Mitochondrial Medicine Society (MMS) published surveillance standards (summarized in ) for individuals with mitochondrial disease to monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations . Table 8. Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Neurologic | Neurology assessment for ataxia, neuropathy, seizures or changes in seizures, myopathy | Annually Hearing |
Ophthalmology | Eval by neuro-ophthalmologist /or retinal specialist oculoplastic surgeon for CPEO, ptosis, pigmentary retinopathy, w/surveillance testing as indicated (e.g., electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, visual fields) | Annually, or more frequently as needed Feeding |
Musculoskeletal | Physical medicine, OT/PT assessment of mobility, self-help skills | Annually |
Cardiac | EKG echocardiogram to monitor cardiac conduction contractility | Every 6-12 mos after diagnosis per cardiologist Endocrinology manifestations |
Exocrine pancreatic dysfunction | Fecal fat, fecal elastase | As needed based on symptoms Respiratory |
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
Phenotype severity distribution: 7 always present features, 1 very common feature, 17 common features.
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
2 clinical trials registered, 2 recruiting. Interventions under study include other interventions and biologic therapy. Pipeline includes 1 PHASE2. Research is sponsored by a mix of industry and academic institutions.
19 publications have been identified in PubMed for Pearson syndrome. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (37%), Diagnostic / Biomarker (21%), and Epidemiology / Natural History (21%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 7 | 37% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 4 | 21% |
Disease patterns and progression | 4 | 21% |
Research summaries | 3 | 16% |
Laboratory research | 1 | 5% |
Wang J (2026). [PMID: 41074779](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41074779/). *Clinical genetics*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Bhayana S (2026). [PMID: 41873175](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41873175/). *Pediatric blood & cancer*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Lang SH (2026). [PMID: 41610485](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41610485/). *Molecular genetics and metabolism*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Alves CAPF (2025). [PMID: 40210455](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40210455/). *AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Belhaj R (2025). [PMID: 39842709](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39842709/). *Transfusion clinique et biologique : journal de la Societe francaise de transfusion sanguine*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Bľandová G (2025). [PMID: 40834967](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40834967/). *Mitochondrion*. [Case Report / Case Series]
MacMullen LE (2025). [PMID: 40760494](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40760494/). *Orphanet journal of rare diseases*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Pan X (2025). [PMID: 41086592](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41086592/). *Molecular genetics and metabolism*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Shafiee A (2025). [PMID: 40959587](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40959587/). *International journal of general medicine*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Ganetzky R (2025). [PMID: 39985363](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39985363/). *Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
PS
32% |
3% |
CPEO | 9% | 57%-64%3 |
CPEO-plus | 21% | — |
No phenotype assigned | 9% | CPEO = chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia; KSS = Kearns-Sayre syndrome; PS = Pearson syndrome 1. 2. Using classic criteria for CPEO (ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, dysphagia, proximal limb weakness, exercise intolerance), 57% met criteria for CPEO. Onset. |
Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes: Frequency of Select Features Feature | Two Cohorts of 341 42 Children2 | Cohort of 228 Children Adults3 |
Neurologic | Dysautonomia | 86% |
69% of children w/SLSMDSs were reported to have ≥1 neurologic manifestation.2 Exercise intolerance | 77% | 20% |
Muscle weakness | 26%-71% | 47% |
Sensorineural hearing loss | 31%-67% | 18% |
Ataxia | 6%-69% | 12% |
Migraine headaches | 37% | 4% |
Dysarthria | 34% | — |
Gross motor delays | 26% | — |
Hypotonia | 24% | 8% |
Cognitive impairment | 23% | 4% Muscle wasting |
6% Seizures | 6%-9% | Neuropathy |
4% Tremor | 3% | 3% |
Ocular | Ptosis | 54%-64% |
Retinopathy | 34%-38% | 11% |
Ophthalmoparesis | 26% | 84% |
Corneal thickening | 9% | — |
Recurrent uveitis | 3% | — |
Cardiac | Conduction defects | 45%-66% |
Cardiomyopathy | ~10% | 3% |
Endocrine | Short stature | 9%-76% |
Diabetes mellitus | 24%-26% | 9% |
Hypoparathyroidism | 9%-57% | — |
Adrenal insufficiency | 9% | 3% |
Hypothyroidism | 3% | — |
Hematologic | Neutropenia | 91% |
Thrombocytopenia | 73% | — |
Anemia | 32%-77% | 5% |
Other | Renal manifestations | 80%-85% |
Psychiatric manifestations | 69% | 3% |
Poor weight gain | 63%-89% | — |
Increased liver enzymes | 31% | 5% |
Insomnia | 29% | CK = creatine kinase; SLSMDSs = single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndromes 1. 2. 3. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
Cognition | Developmental /or cognitive assessment | To incl motor, adaptive, cognitive, speech-language eval; Eval for early intervention/ special education in children Feeding/ |
Nutrition | Nutrition/ feeding team eval | To incl assessment of weight, eval of nutritional status, aspiration risk; Consider eval for gastrostomy tube placement in persons w/dysphagia, poor weight gain, /or aspiration risk. Eyes |
Musculoskeletal | Orthopedics/ physical medicine rehab/ PT OT eval | To incl assessment of:; Gross motor fine motor skills; Mobility, ADL, need for adaptive devices; Need for PT (to improve gross motor skills) /or OT (to improve fine motor skills) Cardiology |
Hematologic | CBC | In those w/KSS, PS, CPEO Ferritin |
Genetic counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of SLSMDSs to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"