What is stickler syndrome?

Stickler syndrome is a genetic disorder that can cause serious vision, hearing and joint problems. Also known as hereditary progressive arthro-ophthalmopathy, Stickler syndrome is usually diagnosed during infancy or childhood.

What is Stickler syndrome life expectancy?

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.

How does Stickler syndrome affect a person?

Stickler syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues primarily in the face, ears, eyes and joints. This hereditary condition causes distinctive facial abnormalities. It can lead to problems with vision, hearing and movement. Doctors usually diagnose Stickler syndrome in babies and children.

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 .

How is Stickler syndrome diagnosed?

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.

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.

Why does Stickler syndrome happen?

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.

Does Stickler syndrome affect the heart?

Heart conditions— About 50 percent of kids with Stickler syndrome have a defect in which a valve in the heart doesn’t function properly (mitral valve prolapse). Symptoms vary, but can include feelings of fatigue or an elevated heartbeat, some children with mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms at all.

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.

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.

What is Pierre Robin Syndrome?

Pierre Robin sequence is also known as Pierre Robin syndrome or Pierre Robin malformation. It is a rare congenital birth defect characterized by an underdeveloped jaw, backward displacement of the tongue and upper airway obstruction. Cleft palate is also commonly present in children with Pierre Robin sequence.

What does Pierre Robin Syndrome look like?

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is characterized by a small lower jaw (micrognathia) and displacement of the tongue toward the back of the oral cavity (glossoptosis). Some infants also have an abnormal opening in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate).

What does stickler for the rules mean?

1 : one who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something a stickler for the rules. 2 : something that baffles or puzzles : poser.

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.