Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata
Patient Information
Characteristics
Background and History
This disorder was first recognized in the middle of the 20th century and since then several different types have been described.
Clinical Correlations
This is a disorder of bone growth with numerous other features. The bones in the arms and legs are short and the vertebrae are deformed as well. Cataracts are usually present at birth and growth delay is often severe. Some mental deficit is almost always present and retardation may be severe. Many individuals do not achieve normal developmental milestones such as sitting, walking, eating by themselves, or speaking. Seizures often occur. In a few patients the skin is dry and scaly.
Genetics
Inheritance
This is an autosomal recessive disorder which requires two mutations, one from each parent, to cause the disease. Since parents have one copy of the normal gene, they are usually normal.
Pedigree
Autosomal recessive
In order for autosomal recessive disorders to be expressed, offspring generally must inherit two mutations, one from each carrier parent. Carriers with only one mutation, such as the parents, do not have clinical disease. Note that carrier parents can expect that 1 in 4 children (25%) will inherit both mutations and have the disorder, 2 in 4 children (50%) will be carriers like their parents, while 1 in 4 children (25%) inherit neither mutation.
In order for autosomal recessive disorders to be expressed, offspring generally must inherit two mutations, one from each carrier parent. Carriers with only one mutation, such as the parents, do not have clinical disease. Note that carrier parents can expect that 1 in 4 children (25%) will inherit both mutations and have the disorder, 2 in 4 children (50%) will be carriers like their parents, while 1 in 4 children (25%) inherit neither mutation.
Diagnosis and Prognosis
The diagnosis can be made at birth based on the presence of cataracts and the cartilage changes. The prognosis is not good as many babies do not survive beyond infancy and few live beyond 10 years. However, milder types have been reported and therefore prognosis is often uncertain. No treatment is available.
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