Menkes’ kinky hair syndrome /men″kēz/ [John H. Menkes, American neurologist, 1928-2008; D, kinke, tight twist; AS, haer] , a familial disorder affecting the normal absorption of copper from the intestine, characterized by the growth of sparse, kinky hair. Infants with the syndrome suffer cerebral degeneration, delayed growth, and early death. Early diagnosis and IV administration of copper may prevent irreversible damage.
