National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Proopiomelanocortin deficiency

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Is there a life expectancy for people who have POMC?

The following information may help to address your question:


What is the long-term outlook for people with proopiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency?

Without early treatment, the adrenal insufficiency associated with POMC deficiency can be fatal.[1] The overall prognosis for this condition, however is undefined. It remains unclear if individuals with POMC deficiency are prone to weight-related complications like cardiovascular disease, cancer, or type 2 diabetes.[1][2] 
Last updated: 8/10/2015

What is the life expectancy for people with proopiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency?

Life expectancy has not been reported. Some infants suffer life-threatening complications. Other health problems may develop which could impact life expectancy, but no specific figures currently exist.
Last updated: 8/10/2015

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  1. Proopiomelanocortin deficiency. Genetics Home Reference (GHR). February 2014; http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/proopiomelanocortin-deficiency. Accessed 8/10/2015.
  2. Filetti S. Obesity due to pro-opiomelanocortin deficiency. Orphanet. May 2007; http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=en&Expert=71526. Accessed 8/10/2015.