Stickler syndrome is caused by mutations in certain genes involved in the formation of collagen — one of the building blocks of many types of connective tissues. The type of collagen most commonly affected is that used to produce joint cartilage and the jellylike material (vitreous) found within the eyes.
How do you prevent Stickler syndrome?
You cannot prevent Stickler syndrome. People with a family history of the condition who want to have children should seek genetic counseling to learn about the risk of having a child with the disorder.
How is Stickler syndrome inherited?
Stickler syndrome types I, II, and III are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. In some cases, an affected person inherits a gene mutation from one affected parent . Other cases result from new mutations .
What is the life expectancy of someone with Stickler syndrome?
A: Stickler syndrome doesn’t affect your child’s life expectancy, but it is a progressive condition, which means that your child’s symptoms may get worse with time. That said, we have many methods of treating those symptoms and, with help, your child can live a healthy, happy life.
What is the treatment for Stickler syndrome?
Treatment for Stickler syndrome is aimed at treating the specific symptoms each person has. For some, this may involve surgeries to correct cleft palate or retinal detachment. Other treatments may include hearing aids for hearing loss or medications for joint pain.
Does Stickler syndrome get worse with age?
Features even vary among affected members of the same family. In some cases, a person may have multiple features, but only one problem is severe enough to be diagnosed. Stickler syndrome is also a progressive disorder, therefore, the symptoms are likely to worsen with age.
Is Stickler syndrome a disability?
If you or your dependent(s) are diagnosed with Stickler Syndrome and experience any of these symptoms, you may be eligible for disability benefits from the U.S. Social Security Administration.
Can Stickler syndrome be detected before birth?
What about genetic testing? Molecular genetic testing can be used to diagnose Stickler syndrome. A clinical geneticist can discuss this in detail with you and arrange for it, if appropriate. Your doctor may suggest it to confirm a suspected diagnosis or for prenatal diagnosis.
Can Stickler syndrome skip a generation?
Unlike some genetic syndromes, a person will not have a “carrier” gene for this disorder that can be passed on to the next generation without the parent having Stickler syndrome themselves.
How many types of Stickler syndrome are there?
There are five types of Stickler syndrome: Stickler syndrome type I, Stickler syndrome type II, Stickler syndrome type III, Stickler syndrome type IV, and Stickler syndrome type V. Individuals with Stickler syndrome type I tend to have milder hearing loss, nearsightedness, and type 1 membranous vitreous anomaly.
What does Stickler Syndrome look like?
Children who have Stickler syndrome often have distinctive facial features — prominent eyes, a small nose with a scooped-out facial appearance and a receding chin. They are often born with an opening in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate).
What’s Marshall syndrome?
Marshall syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the COL11A1 gene. Major symptoms may include a distinctive face with a flattened nasal bridge and nostrils that are tilted upward, widely spaced eyes, nearsightedness, cataracts and hearing loss.
What is Noonan syndrome?
Noonan syndrome is a genetic disorder that prevents normal development in various parts of the body. A person can be affected by Noonan syndrome in a wide variety of ways. These include unusual facial characteristics, short stature, heart defects, other physical problems and possible developmental delays.
Can you screen for Stickler syndrome?
Stickler syndrome is diagnosed with a physical examination, although there is currently no consensus as to the diagnostic criteria. The diagnosis can be confirmed by testing for mutations within genes called COL2A1, COL11A1 and COL11A2 for cases of autosomal dominant types of Stickler syndrome.
How does Stickler syndrome affect speech?
Conclusions: Patients with Stickler syndrome show significant potential for early airway compromise and a poorer prognosis for speech outcome after cleft palate repair. Their cephalofacial growth does not differ significantly from that of nonsyndromic cleft palate patients.