Disease Name Body Changing Saccharide Syndrome (BCSS) Common Name: Saccharification Disease

[Overview] Body Changing Saccharide Syndrome (BCSS) is a progressive disorder in which body tissues irreversibly transform into sugar crystals (resembling Kohakutou/amber sugar). Crystallized tissues lose their biological function, and any breakage results in permanent loss. To date, no effective curative treatment has been established; palliative care and symptomatic treatment are the primary approaches. This disease is not known to be infectious.

[Estimated Etiology] The mechanism of onset remains unexplained. Current theories suggest it may be a psychogenic disorder, with long-term interpersonal stress or a strong psychological obsession with "not wanting to be forgotten by others" potentially contributing to its onset.

[Pathology] As the disease progresses, various parts of the body transform into sugar crystals. It has been confirmed that memories corresponding to the crystallized areas gradually disappear from the patient. It is believed that these memories are not lost but are preserved within the crystals. The patient themselves cannot recall the lost memories. There have been multiple reports of third parties experiencing the patient's memories and emotions corresponding to a crystallized area upon ingestion of said crystal, though the mechanism is unknown.

[Staging] Stage I Localized crystallization is observed in the extremities (fingers, toes, ears, etc.). Body fluids such as sweat, tears, blood, and saliva, as well as excrement, carry a sweet scent, and sucrose is detected. Mild memory impairment is observed.

Stage II The area of crystallization expands. Pain and heat in the affected areas worsen, and cracks or losses occur on the surface. Crystallized areas are fragile and break under minor external force. Lost parts do not regenerate.

Stage III Lesions progress to wide areas, including the limbs. Memory impairment becomes significant. Additionally, in many cases, patients report a strong urge to "have their most cherished person ingest their crystals." Patients are often unable to explain the reason for this.

Stage IV Crystallization is observed in internal organs, eyeballs, etc. General condition deteriorates significantly, and treatment focuses on palliative care. Depending on the case, a transition to home care may occur.

Terminal Stage Complete crystallization of the heart or brain is observed. Life activities cease, and the patient is pronounced dead.

[Crystal Properties] Crystals resemble Kohakutou in appearance and have a unique color for each patient. Cases showing the same color are extremely rare.

As the disease progresses, the color tends to become darker in areas closer to central organs such as the heart and brain.

Crystals lose their luster over time, showing dullness and surface cloudiness, but no impact on the memories held within has been observed.

[Psychiatric Symptoms] From Stage III onward, a common desire to "have a loved one ingest one's own crystals" is frequently observed. While a connection to the psychological state at the time of onset has been suggested, the detailed mechanism is unknown.

[Treatment] No curative treatment exists. Analgesics made from glucose are considered effective for pain management. The effects of other classes of analgesics are limited. Side effects include cognitive decline, slowed thinking, and somnolence, so they are primarily used for palliative purposes.

[Inpatient Management] Isolation is unnecessary as it is not infectious. However, private room management is recommended for the purpose of preventing damage to crystallized areas, recovering fallen crystals, and protecting the patient.

[Clinical Notes]

• Crystallized areas are irreversible.
• Lost tissue does not regenerate.
• Patients lose memories of corresponding body parts as the disease progresses.
• Crystals likely preserve the patient's memories.
• The "crystal ingestion urge" seen from Stage III onward is treated as a characteristic psychiatric symptom of this disease, not as self-harm or intent to harm others.
• The handling of crystals should be approached carefully after fully confirming the wishes of the patient and their family.