by Rick Alan
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a hereditary disorder of the X chromosome. FXS is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation and the most common known cause of autism. FXS affects 1 in 4000 males and 1 in 6000 females.
FXS is caused by mutations of the FMR1 gene. These mutations interfere with the normal development of certain parts of the brain and body by affecting the production of a normal body substance called fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). In the absence of FMRP, neural connections in the brain cannot be made properly and affected children do not fully develop some higher cognitive functions.
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A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The main risk factor for FXS is having a parent with an FMR1 mutation. These mutations vary in degree. Most people who inherit a minor mutation, which is sometimes called a premutation, do not develop the symptoms and signs of FXS, though a few premutated children may show signs resembling autism, and others (primarily males) may develop a set of neurological symptoms called fragile X tremor ataxia syndrome in later adult life.
However, children of mothers with FMR1 premutations are at risk of inheriting a fully mutated FMR1 gene severe enough to cause symptomatic FXS. If a woman is an asymptomatic carrier of an FMRI mutation or premutation, each child of hers has a 50% chance of inheriting that gene. Of the children that inherit that gene, boys are much more likely to develop symptoms than girls, although the severity of the disorder may be quite variable between different individuals.In general, each subsequent generation tends to have worse mutations and a higher risk of FXS than the previous one. Symptoms The number and severity of symptoms varies widely. Symptoms tend to be less frequent and milder in females. Symptoms can include: Mental impairmentranging from learning disabilities to mental retardation Behavioral difficulties, including: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)AnxietyUnstable moods and emotional outburstsAggressive behaviorExtreme shyness (particularly in girls)Autistic behaviors Physical problems and abnormalities, including: Long face with protruding jawLarge, protruding earsFlat feetHyperextended jointsHigh-pitched voice and enlarged testes in males after pubertyMitral valve prolapseSeizures Diagnosis The doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. FXS may be suspected if a child has:
Physical, cognitive, or emotional symptoms of FXSUnexplained developmental delays or mental retardationThe diagnosis can be confirmed by a DNA blood test or increasingly by direct analysis of FMRP in hair or blood. TreatmentThere is no cure for FXS. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms. Treatment may include: Medication Medications used to treat symptoms of FXS include: Stimulants (such as Ritalin) and other medications to treat hyperactive behavior Psychotherapeutic drugs (such as Prozac) to help control: AnxietyAggressionEmotional outburstsAnticonvulsants (such as carbamazepine) to control seizuresScientists are currently trying to understand how FMRP works in the body so that specific treatments may someday prove possible. Unfortunately even the possibility of such treatment remains far in the future. Educational Strategies Specific educational strategies depend on the degree of developmental delays and/or mental retardation. Educational strategies include setting a stable educational environment for the patient that includes: School work that only requires a short attention spanMinimal distractionsPredictable activities and classroom routineClose communication between parent and schoolEmphasis on functional life skills PreventionThere are no known ways to prevent FXS once a person is born. If you have FXS or risk factors for FXS, you can talk to a genetic counselor when deciding to have children.
RESOURCES: FRAXA Research Foundationhttp://www.fraxa.org The National Fragile X Foundationhttp://www.fragilex.org National Institute of Child Health and Human Developmenthttp://www.nichd.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES: Fragile X Research Foundation of Canadahttp://www.fragile-x.ca/default2.htm References: American College of Medical Genetics website. Available at: http://www.acmg.net/ . Bardoni B, Davidovic L, Bensaid M, Khandjian EW. The fragile X syndrome: exploring its molecular basis and seeking a treatment. Expert Rev Mol Med . 2006;8(8):1-16. FRAXA Research Foundation website. Available at: http://www.fraxa.org . The Merck Manual of Medical Information . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov . Willemsen R, Anar B, De Diego Otero Y, et al. Noninvasive test for fragile X syndrome, using hair root analysis. Am J Hum Genet . 1999;65(1):98-103. Last reviewed October 2007 by Mark A. Best, MD, MPH, MBA, FCAP, FASCPPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
