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Baller-Gerold syndrome
 
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Baller-Gerold syndrome

Reviewed January 2008

What is Baller-Gerold syndrome?

Baller-Gerold syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the premature fusion of certain skull bones (craniosynostosis) and abnormalities of bones in the arms and hands.

Many people with Baller-Gerold syndrome have prematurely fused skull bones along the coronal suture, the growth line that goes over the head from ear to ear. Other parts of the skull may be malformed as well. These changes result in an abnormally shaped head, a prominent forehead, and bulging eyes with shallow eye sockets (ocular proptosis). Other distinctive facial features can include widely spaced eyes (hypertelorism), a small mouth, and a saddle-shaped or underdeveloped nose.

Bone abnormalities in the hands include missing fingers (oligodactyly) and malformed or absent thumbs. Partial or complete absence of bones in the forearm is also common. Together, these hand and arm abnormalities are called radial ray malformations.

People with Baller-Gerold syndrome may have a variety of additional signs and symptoms including slow growth beginning in infancy, small stature, and malformed or missing kneecaps (patellae). A skin rash often appears on the arms and legs a few months after birth. This rash spreads over time, causing patchy changes in skin coloring, areas of skin tissue degeneration (atrophy), and small clusters of enlarged blood vessels just under the skin (telangiectases). These chronic skin problems are collectively known as poikiloderma.

The varied signs and symptoms of Baller-Gerold syndrome overlap with features of other disorders, namely Rothmund-Thomson syndrome and RAPADILINO syndrome. These syndromes are also characterized by radial ray defects, skeletal abnormalities, and slow growth. All of these conditions can be caused by mutations in the same gene. Based on these similarities, researchers are investigating whether Baller-Gerold syndrome, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, and RAPADILINO syndrome are separate disorders or part of a single syndrome with overlapping signs and symptoms.

How common is Baller-Gerold syndrome?

The prevalence of Baller-Gerold syndrome is unknown, but this rare condition probably affects fewer than 1 per million people.

What genes are related to Baller-Gerold syndrome?

Mutations in the RECQL4 gene cause some cases of Baller-Gerold syndrome. This gene provides instructions for making a protein whose function is not well understood, although researchers believe that it helps stabilize genetic information within the body's cells. This protein probably also plays a role in copying (replicating) and repairing DNA.

Mutations in the RECQL4 gene prevent cells from producing any RECQL4 protein or change the way the protein is pieced together, which disrupts its usual function. A shortage of this protein may prevent normal DNA replication and repair, causing widespread damage to a person's genetic information over time. It is unclear how a loss of this protein's activity leads to the signs and symptoms of Baller-Gerold syndrome.

In a few reported cases, the characteristic features of Baller-Gerold syndrome have been associated with prenatal (before birth) exposure to a drug called sodium valproate. This medication is used to treat epilepsy and certain psychiatric disorders. Several people whose mothers took sodium valproate during pregnancy have been born with an unusual skull shape, distinctive facial features, and abnormalities of the arms and hands.

Read more about the RECQL4 gene.

How do people inherit Baller-Gerold syndrome?

This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.

Where can I find information about treatment for Baller-Gerold syndrome?

These resources address the management of Baller-Gerold syndrome and may include treatment providers.

You might also find information on treatment of Baller-Gerold syndrome in Educational resources and Patient support.

Where can I find additional information about Baller-Gerold syndrome?

You may find the following resources about Baller-Gerold syndrome helpful. These materials are written for the general public.

You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.

What other names do people use for Baller-Gerold syndrome?

  • BGS
  • Craniosynostosis-radial aplasia syndrome
  • Craniosynostosis with radial defects

What if I still have specific questions about Baller-Gerold syndrome?

Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?

What glossary definitions help with understanding Baller-Gerold syndrome?

References (6 links)

 

The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.

 
Reviewed: January 2008
Published: May 4, 2009