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SHORT Syndrome

OMIM ID:

autosomal dominant

SHORT Syndrome

Alternate Names

lipodystrophy with Rieger anomalies and short stature

Defective Genes

PIK3R1

Clinical Characteristics

Ocular Features

Deeply set eyes are frequently noted and perhaps are a result of the lipodystrophy.  Anterior segment abnormalities resembling Rieger anomalies are often associated with congenital glaucoma. 

Systemic Features

There is considerable clinical heterogeneity.  The facial gestalt, however, is said to be characteristic.  These are: triangular progeroid facies with a prominent forehead, absence of facial fat, midface hypoplasia, and hypoplastic nasal alae.  Insulin resistance seems to be a consistent feature as well and nephrocalcinosis is common.  Serum and urinary calcium may be elevated even in infancy.

Teeth are late to erupt and bone age is delayed with shortness of stature the final result in many cases.  Joints are often hyperextensible.  A neurosensory hear loss has been found in some individuals.  Notably, developmental milestones are usually timely although mild cognitive delays are rarely seen and speech may be delayed.  Inguinal hernias are part of the syndrome. 

Genetics

Inheritance

Heterozygous mutations in the PIK3R1 gene (5q31.1) are responsible for this syndrome.

Pedigree

Autosomal dominant

Autosomal dominant disorders require only one mutation for the disease to be expressed.  Since an affected parent has two chromosomes, only one of which has the mutant gene, parents can expect that half (50%) of their children will receive that one and inherit the disease.  It is common for individuals that inherit the mutation, however, to not have evidence of the disease (nonpenetrance).

Image
Sample pedigree of autosomal dominant inheritance

Autosomal dominant inheritance leads to a vertical pattern of transmission

Treatment & Management

Serum and urinary calcium should be monitored.  The risk of glaucoma is high and patients should be monitored and treated appropriately.  Blood sugar and insulin levels may require treatment.  Inguinal hernias may require surgical repair.

Selected Resources

Web Resources

Publications

Displaying 1 - 2 of 2

Clinical reappraisal of SHORT syndrome with PIK3R1 mutations: toward recommendation for molecular testing and management

PubMedID: 26497935

Mutations in PIK3R1 Cause SHORT Syndrome

PubMedID: 23810382