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Aase syndrome

Aase-Smith syndrome; Hypoplastic anemia - triphalangeal thumbs, Aase-Smith type

 

Aase syndrome is a rare disorder that involves anemia and certain joint and skeletal deformities.

Causes

 

Many cases of Aase syndrome occur without a known reason and are not passed down through families (inherited). However, some cases (45%) have been shown to be inherited. These are due to a change in 1 of 9 genes important for making protein correctly (the genes make ribosomal proteins)

This condition is similar to Diamond-Blackfan anemia, and the 2 conditions should not be separated. A missing piece on chromosome 19 is found in some people with Diamond-Blackfan anemia.

The anemia in Aase syndrome is caused by poor development of the bone marrow, which is where blood cells are formed.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may include:

  • Absent or small knuckles
  • Cleft palate
  • Decreased skin creases at finger joints
  • Deformed ears
  • Droopy eyelids
  • Inability to fully extend the joints from birth ( contracture deformity )
  • Narrow shoulders
  • Pale skin
  • Triple-jointed thumbs

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:

  • Bone marrow biopsy
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Echocardiogram
  • X-rays

 

Treatment

 

Treatment may involve blood transfusions in the first year of life to treat anemia.

A steroid medicine called prednisone has also been used to treat anemia associated with Aase syndrome. However, it should only be used after reviewing the benefits and risks with a provider who has experience treating anemias.

A bone marrow transplant may be necessary if other treatment fails.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The anemia tends to improve with age.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications related to anemia include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased oxygen in the blood
  • Weakness

Heart problems can lead to a variety of complications, depending on the specific defect.

Severe cases of Aase syndrome have been associated with stillbirth or early death.

 

Prevention

 

Genetic counseling is recommended if you have a family history of this syndrome and wish to become pregnant.

 

 

References

Clinton C, Gazda HT. Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Gene Reviews. Seattle, WA: University of Washington; 2014:9. PMID: 20301769 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20301769 . Accessed August 1, 2015.

Jones KL, Jones MC, Del Campo M. Facial-limb defect as major feature. In: Jones KL, Jones MC, Del Campo M, eds. Smith's Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap I.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

              Tests for Aase syndrome

               

                 

                Review Date: 8/1/2015

                Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG, Fullerton Genetics Center, Asheville, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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