What causes stickler syndrome?

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.

Is Stickler syndrome a rare disease?

Stickler syndrome affects males as well as females. Prevalence rates have been estimated at 1-3 per 10,000 births and at 1 per 7,500 births. Most investigators believe that the disorder is highly under-diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the true prevalence of Stickler syndrome in the general population.

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?

Stickler syndrome has no cure, but it does not affect life expectancy. With ongoing treatment and support, many people with Stickler syndrome live active and fulfilling lives. Prompt diagnosis is important so a doctor can repair abnormalities and help prevent complications.

How do you get tested for Stickler syndrome?

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).

Is Stickler syndrome fatal?

A: While the symptoms of Stickler syndrome are generally not life threatening, your child may be at a higher risk for retinal detachment, a condition that can cause blindness if left untreated.

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.

Is there a genetic test for Stickler syndrome?

Stickler syndrome can be diagnosed when a doctor observes many symptoms consistent with the syndrome. Genetic testing can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for Stickler syndrome may include surgeries, medications to reduce joint pain, and hearing aids.

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.

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.

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.

Is Pierre Robin Syndrome a disability?

Intellectual disability-brachydactyly-Pierre Robin syndrome is a rare developmental defect during embryogenesis syndrome characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability and phsychomotor delay, Robin sequence (incl.

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.

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.