What is a classic complication of Ataxia Telangiectasia?

Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a variety of neurological and immunological symptoms, which lead to a significantly decreased life expectancy. Individuals with A-T typically develop progressive neurological problems including ataxia, which refers to a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, and telangiectasia, which are small dilated blood vessels. Furthermore, A-T patients often have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers, particularly lymphoid malignancies, which further impact their longevity. The disease involves progressive deterioration of motor skills, immune dysfunction, and increases the susceptibility to infections, all contributing to the reduced life span of affected individuals.

Though insulin resistance, increased sister chromatid exchange rates, and hypotonia may be associated with various other conditions, they are not classic complications of Ataxia Telangiectasia. In A-T, the hallmark issues revolve around neurological degeneration, immunodeficiency, and cancer predisposition, which collectively serve as the reasons behind the decreased life expectancy.