About ectrodactyly

What is ectrodactyly?

Split hand/split foot malformation (SHFM) is a genetic disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of some fingers or toes, often combined with clefts in the hands or feet. There may also be the appearance of webbing between fingers or toes (syndactyly). This may give the hands and/or feet a claw-like appearance.

There are many types and combinations of deformities that appear in split hand/split foot malformation. They range widely in severity, even in members of the same family. The malformation may occur alone, or it may occur as a component of a syndrome with other characteristics.

What are the symptoms for ectrodactyly?

Split hand symptom was found in the ectrodactyly condition

The symptoms of EEC syndrome are highly variable, even among members of the same family. The variability is due, in part, to different mutations of the TP63 gene (e.g., certain mutations are more likely to be associated with certain symptoms). Affected individuals or their parents should talk to their physician and medical team about their specific case, associated symptoms and overall prognosis.

Ectrodactyly, which is also known as split hand/foot malformation (SHFM), is a condition characterized by absence or malformation of one or more of the fingers or toes. Usually, the middle fingers or toes are affected. All four hands and feet may be affected in some individuals. However, some individuals have only mild malformation or are unaffected. Individuals with EEC may also exhibit webbing or fusion (syndactyly) of some of the fingers and/or toes. In some cases, syndactyly is the only limb defect that occurs.

Affected individuals have cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Additional Distinctive facial features can occur including an undeveloped upper jaw (maxillary hypoplasia), a broad nasal tip, an abnormally long groove (philtrum) between the nose and the upper lip, and narrowing or blockage of the nasal airways (choanal atresia).

The type and severity of ectodermal dysplasia in individuals with EEC syndrome is highly variable. The skin, hair, teeth, and sweat glands are commonly affected. Affected individuals may have dry, discolored (hypopigmented) skin. The skin may also be itchy. In some patients, mildly thickened, scaly patches of skin (hyperkeratosis) may also develop. Individuals tend to be fair skinned and have sparse, coarse, slow-growing scalp hair. Eyelashes or eyebrows may be sparse or absent.

Additional symptoms can include slow-growing, thin, malformed (dysplastic) nails and missing, malformed or underdeveloped teeth (hypodontia). Tooth decay (dental caries) is common and often severe. Tooth enamel may be abnormal. Some individuals experience reduced activity or absence of certain exocrine glands (glands that secrete into ducts) including the sweat, salivary, and small oil-producing (sebaceous) glands. Abnormality of the sweat glands can lead to a reduced ability to sweat (hypohidrosis), which can be associated with heat intolerance and fever. Abnormality of the salivary glands can lead to dry mouth (xerostomia).

Some individuals have eye issues including abnormalities of the tear (lacrimal) ducts that can cause frequent tearing, increased susceptibility to eye infections and chronic inflammation of the delicate membranes that line the inside of the eyes (conjunctivitis), potentially causing vision impairment. Additional abnormalities affecting the eyes can occur including sensitivity to light (photophobia), corneal ulcerations, inflammation of the cornea (keratitis), and inflammation of the eyelashes and eyelids (blepharitis).

In some cases, affected individuals may have genitourinary anomalies. Virtually any part of the genitourinary tract can be involved. Symptoms can include absence of the kidneys (renal agenesis), narrowing of the tubes that carry urine out of the body from the bladder (urethral atresia), and obstruction of the tubes (ureters) that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder, resulting in the accumulation of urine in the pelvis and kidney duct (hydronephrosis). An extremely uncommon genitourinary complication known as atrophic/dysplastic bladder epithelium has been reported in individuals with EEC syndrome. Epithelium refers to specific tissue that lines many of the cavities and structures within the body such as the bladder. In affected individuals, abnormal thinning of this lining within the bladder results in painful urination (dysuria), increased urgency to urinate and an increased frequency to urinate.

Additional abnormalities have been reported in some cases including underdeveloped (hypoplastic) nipples. Some individuals with EEC syndrome have developed hearing loss. The ears can be abnormally small and the outer part of the ears (auricles) malformed. Some individuals may develop glandular abnormalities such as an underdeveloped thymus and reduced activity of the pituitary gland (hypopituitarism). Glandular abnormalities can result in growth hormone deficiency.

Intelligence is usually unaffected in children with EEC syndrome. Language development, however, may be delayed due to certain associated abnormalities such as cleft lip/palate or hearing impairment.

What are the causes for ectrodactyly?

Most cases of EEC syndrome are caused by mutations of the TP63 gene. The protein product of the gene is known as p63. A small percentage of cases with features resembling EEC syndrome are caused by chromosomal abnormalities. EEC syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Some cases occur sporadically with no previous family history of the disorder (i.e., new mutations).

Genetic diseases are determined by the combination of genes for a particular trait that are on the chromosomes received from the father and the mother. Dominant genetic disorders occur when only a single copy of an abnormal gene is necessary for the appearance of the disease. The abnormal gene can be inherited from either parent, or can be the result of a new mutation (gene change) in the affected individual. The risk of passing the abnormal gene from affected parent to offspring is 50% for each pregnancy regardless of the sex of the resulting child.

Investigators have determined that the TP63 gene is located on the long arm (q) of chromosome 3 (3q27). Chromosomes, which are present in the nucleus of human cells, carry the genetic information for each individual. Human body cells normally have 46 chromosomes. Pairs of human chromosomes are numbered from 1 through 22 and the sex chromosomes are designated X and Y. Males have one X and one Y chromosome and females have two X chromosomes. Each chromosome has a short arm designated “p” and a long arm designated “q”. Chromosomes are further sub-divided into many bands that are numbered. For example, “chromosome 3q27” refers to band 27 on the long arm of chromosome 3. The numbered bands specify the location of the thousands of genes that are present on each chromosome.

The TP63 gene contains instructions for synthesizing (encoding) a protein that is essential for the proper development of the limbs and structures derived from the ectoderm. Mutations of this gene lead to a reduction of functional levels of normally functioning p63 protein, which hinders the proper development of these structures.

In rare cases, individuals with EEC syndrome carry chromosomal disruptions (deletions, translocations) on the long arm of chromosome 7 (7q11.2-q21.3).

When EEC syndrome is caused by mutations of the TP63 gene it is sometimes referred to EEC syndrome type 3 (EEC3); when it caused by chromosomal abnormalities of chromosome 7 it is referred to as EEC syndrome type 1 (EEC1). A disorder formerly designated EEC syndrome type 2 no longer exists.

In some patients, EEC syndrome may be due to gonadal mosaicism, a condition in which some of a parent’s reproductive cells (germ cells) carry the TP63 mutation, while others contain a normal cell line (mosaicism). The other cells (non-reproductive or somatic cells) in a parent’s body do not have the mutation. As a result, one or more of the parent’s children may inherit the gene mutation, potentially leading to development of EEC syndrome, while the parent does not have the disorder (asymptomatic carrier). Germline mosaicism may be suspected when an apparently unaffected parent has more than one child with the same genetic abnormality. The likelihood of a parent passing on a mosaic germline mutation to a child depends upon the percentage of the parent’s germ cells that carry the mutation versus the percentage that do not. There is no test for germline mosaicism before pregnancy. Testing during pregnancy may be available and is best discussed with a genetic specialist.

The symptoms and physical findings of EEC syndrome can vary greatly in severity from one person to another (variable expressivity). In addition, individuals who inherited a defective gene for EEC syndrome will not develop all of the symptoms discussed above (reduced penetrance). Researchers have noted that specific features of EEC syndrome are more likely or only associated with specific mutations of the TP63 genes. In addition, other factors such as additional genes that modify the expression of a disorder (modifier genes) may play a role in the variable findings of EEC syndrome.

What are the treatments for ectrodactyly?

The treatment of EEC syndrome is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. Treatment may require the coordinated efforts of a team of specialists. Pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, orthopedists, dentists, speech therapists, specialists that are trained to deal with abnormalities of the eyes (ophthalmologists), ears (audiologists), and skin (dermatologists), and other healthcare professionals may need to systematically and comprehensively plan an affect child’s treatment.

Reconstructive surgery may be beneficial for individuals with all defects causing functional disability such as ectrodactyly, syndactyly, cleft lip or palate and other associated facial anomalies (e.g., underdeveloped jaw, malformed ears). Dental surgery and corrective devices may be used to treat misshapen teeth. If teeth are missing, dentures may be necessary. Affected individuals should pay particular attention to dental health to prevent tooth decay.

Artificial tears may be necessary for individuals with lacrimal duct obstruction. Surgery may also be necessary for blocked lacrimal ducts. Emollients may be used to treat dry skin. If hearing impairment is present, hearing aids may be beneficial. Children with hypohidrosis should be monitored closely for signs of hyperthermia, particularly during periods of prolonged activity and or during summer months.

When hydronephrosis is present, temporary drainage of the urine may be necessary. Surgery may be indicated when pain or infection is present or when kidney function is compromised.

Genetic counseling may be of benefit for affected individuals and their families.

What are the risk factors for ectrodactyly?

EEC syndrome affects males and females in equal numbers. The exact incidence and prevalence of the disorder in the general population is unknown.

Is there a cure/medications for ectrodactyly?

Ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia cleft lip/palate (EEC) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. Symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another. Affected individuals often have abnormalities affecting the limbs including ectrodactyly, a condition in which part or all of the central digits (fingers or toes) are missing. Ectrodactyly often affects the middle fingers or toes, but can present differently in different people Ectrodactyly, which is also known as split hand/foot malformation (SHFM), is a condition characterized by absence or malformation of one or more of the fingers or toes. Usually, the middle fingers or toes are affected. All four hands and feet may be affected in some individuals. Treatment may require the coordinated efforts of a team of specialists. Pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, orthopedists, dentists, speech therapists, specialists that are trained to deal with abnormalities of the eyes (ophthalmologists), ears (audiologists), and skin (dermatologists), and other healthcare professionals may need to systematically and comprehensively plan an affect child’s treatment. Reconstructive surgery may be beneficial for individuals with all defects causing functional disability such as ectrodactyly, syndactyly, cleft lip or palate and other associated facial anomalies (e.g., underdeveloped jaw, malformed ears). Dental surgery and corrective devices may be used to treat misshapen teeth. If teeth are missing, dentures may be necessary. Affected individuals should pay particular attention to dental health to prevent tooth decay. When hydronephrosis is present, temporary drainage of the urine may be necessary. Surgery may be indicated when pain or infection is present or when kidney function is compromised.

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