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*This month in partnership with ⁠XLH Network⁠*

Our Carrier Connections program features a different X-linked condition each month with the goal to increase awareness of X-linked conditions and how they impact the lives of women and girls.

This month, we are featuring X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). XLH is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the PHEX gene. These mutations cause bone cells to secrete increased concentrations of a hormone responsible for inducing phosphate excretion in the kidneys, ultimately resulting in a deficiency of phosphate in the body. This can cause widespread issues throughout the body as phosphate plays an essential role in the proper functioning of bones and teeth. Most cases of XLH first manifest in childhood, with the presentation of bowed legs appearing as a prominent symptom. XLH impacts females in virtually the same way it impacts males.

Today we are chatting with Elizabeth Olear. Elizabeth Olear is the Senior Clinical Research Associate at the Yale Center for XLH in the division of Pediatric Endocrinology at Yale School of Medicine. She leads a team conducting clinical trials in rare bone metabolism and research involving long-term sequelae of these disorders. She has been at Yale for over 17 years and has been actively involved in the research efforts on X-linked hypophosphatemia. Elizabeth has a strong commitment to advocacy and education for patients in the rare disease community. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for The XLH Network, Inc. and is a founding member of The International XLH Alliance.

Carrier Connections is sponsored by Kyowa Kirin and Amgen. For more information about our organization, check out ⁠rememberthegirls.org⁠.