> << Lesch-Nyhans syndrome >> > What is this? I have never heard of it? You mentioned how sad it was. > Maureen McLellan CPNP Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a terrible X-linked recessive disorder associated with failure to form one of the xanthines and is associated with kidney stones, choreoathetosis, MR, spastic CP, and worst of all...self-mutilation of fingers and lips by biting. These children often have all of their teeth extracted to keep them from literally chewing their lips and fingers off. I saw a teenager with this syndrome where I did my residency who had only a remnant of his lower lip left. He was the nicest kid and able to answer questions by nodding and understood a lot of what was said. It was so sad to see him in pain from his kidney stones too. I wouldn't wish this disorder on my worst enemy... Eve H. Switzer, M.D.