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$Unique_ID{BRK04095}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Penta X Syndrome}
$Subject{Penta X Syndrome XXXXX Syndrome 49,XXXXX Syndrome Down Syndrome}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (C) 1991 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
790:
Penta X Syndrome
** IMPORTANT **
It is possible that the main title of the article (Penta X Syndrome) is
not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the
alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.
Synonyms
XXXXX Syndrome
49,XXXXX Syndrome
Information on the following disease can be found in the Related
Disorders section of this report:
Down Syndrome
General Discussion
** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section of this report.
Penta X Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder which affects females. It is
caused by the presence of extra X chromosomes. Major symptoms may include
mental and growth deficiencies, upward slanting eyes with excess skin over
the inner corners of the eyes (epicanthal folds), and an unclosed blood
vessel that connects the lung's left artery to the heart's main artery
(patent ductus arteriosus).
Symptoms
Individuals with Penta X may have mental deficiencies, failure to thrive, and
growth deficiencies that may result in short stature. The face may be
unusually round, the head small, and the eyes widely spaced (hypertelorism)
and upwardly slanted. Excess skin over the inner corner of the eyes
(epicanthal folds) may occur. A short neck, a low hairline, low-set ears,
teeth defects such as abnormally short roots, and deformities of the iris in
the eye may also occur.
In the developing fetus, there is a blood vessel that connects the lung's
left artery to the aorta, the heart's main artery. This blood vessel
normally closes at the age of about twenty-four hours. When it fails to
close it is called patent ductus arteriosus, and it may cause problems of
blood circulation as well as heart problems.
The hands of females with Penta X Syndrome may be small with unusual
creases across the palms (simian creases). Foot deformities may also occur
causing only the ball and the sides of the foot to touch the ground (talipes
equinovarus). Multiple joint dislocations may affect the shoulder, elbow,
hips, wrists, or fingers. Additionally, the kidneys may develop abnormally
(renal dysplasia).
Causes
Penta X Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of extra X
chromosomes. Normal females have 46 chromosomes, two of which are X
chromosomes. Penta X individuals have 49 chromosomes, five of which are X
chromosomes.
Affected Population
Penta X Syndrome is a very rare disorder affecting only females before birth.
Related Disorders
Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Penta X
Syndrome. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:
Down Syndrome is the most common and readily identifiable genetic
condition associated with mental retardation. It is caused by an extra
chromosome 21. There are over 50 clinical signs of Down Syndrome, but it is
rare to find all or even most of them in one person. Some common
characteristics include: mental retardation, upward slanting eyes with
excess skin at the inner corners (epicanthal folds), unusual creases across
the palms (simian creases), short neck and hands, small head and ears, poor
muscle tone, fine, soft, and often sparse hair, and sometimes heart and
respiratory problems. Down Syndrome affects males and females. (For more
information on this disorder, choose "Down" as your search term in the Rare
Disease Database).
Therapies: Standard
The open fetal vessel (patent ductus arteriosus) of Penta X individuals can
be dealt with surgically. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Special education, physical therapy, and other medical, social, or vocational
services may be of benefit to help the child to reach his/her potential.
Genetic counseling may be of benefit for patients and their families.
Therapies: Investigational
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through June
1991. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every
entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please
check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current
information about this disorder.
Resources
For more information on Penta X Syndrome, please contact:
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783
(203) 746-6518
NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 496-5751
National Association for Retarded Citizens
P.O. Box 6109
Arlington, TX 76011
(817) 640-0204
1-800-433-5255
For information about education of children with learning disabilities:
National Information Center for Handicapped Children and Youth
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, D.C. 20013
(703) 528-8480
For Genetic Information and genetic counseling referrals:
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
(914) 428-7100
Alliance of Genetic Support Groups
35 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 440
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(800) 336-GENE
(301) 652-5553
References
SMITH'S RECOGNIZABLE PATTERNS OF HUMAN MALFORMATION, 4th ed.: Kenneth L.
Jones; W.B. Saunders Co., 1988. Pp. 73.
49,XXXXX SYNDROME: R. Fragoso, et al.; Ann Genet (1982, issue 25 (3)).
Pp. 145-148.