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Aarskog syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by short stature, facial abnormalities, musculoskeletal, and genital anomalies.Aarskog syndrome is an x-linked recessive genetic disorder. This disorder affects mainly males, although females may have a milder manifestation of some of the features. It is caused by mutations in a gene called FGDY1 found on the X chromosome.
1 Symptoms
- mild to moderate short stature which may not be obvious until the child is between 1 and 3 years old
- possible delayed sexual maturation
- rounded face
- hairline has a " widow's peak "
- wide set eyes with droopy eyelids
- small nose with nostrils tipped forward
- underdeveloped mid-portion of the face
- wide groove above the upper lip, crease below the lower lip
- delayed eruption of teeth
- top portion of the ear folded over slightly
- small, broad hands and feet with short fingers and in-curving 5th finger
- short fingers and toes with mild webbing
- simian crease (single) in palm of hand
- protruding belly button
- inguinal hernias
- "shawl" scrotum, undescended testicles
- mild to moderate mental deficiency
- eyes have downward palpebral slant
- pectus excavatum (mildly sunken chest)
2 Signs and tests
X-rays will reveal skeletal abnormalities. Genetic testing may be available for mutations in the FGDY1 gene.
3 Treatment
Orthodontic treatment may be attempted for some of the facial abnormalities. Trials of growth hormone have not been effective to treat short stature in this disorder.
4 Support Groups
The MAGIC Foundation for Children's Growth is a support group for Aarskog syndrome and can be found at www.magicfoundation.org.
5 Prognosis
Mild degrees of mental slowness may be present, but affected children usually have good social skills. Some males may exhibit reduced fertility.
6 Complications
Some recent findings have included cystic changes in the brain and generalized seizures. There may be difficulty growing in the first year of life in up to one-third of cases. Misaligned teeth may require orthodontic correction. An undescended testicle will require surgery.
Source : http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001654.htm
Genetic disorders