About antley bixler syndrome

What is antley bixler syndrome?

Antley-Bixler Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is primarily characterized by distinctive malformations of the head and facial (craniofacial) area and additional skeletal abnormalities. For example, the disorder is typically associated with premature closure of the fibrous joints (cranial sutures) between particular bones of the skull (craniosynostosis). Many affected infants and children also may have a prominent forehead, underdeveloped midfacial regions (midfacial hypoplasia), protruding eyes (proptosis), and other craniofacial abnormalities. Additional skeletal malformations are usually present, such as fusion of certain adjacent bones of the arms (e.g., radiohumeral or radioulnar synostosis), long, thin fingers and toes (arachnodactyly), and bowing of the thigh bones. In addition, certain joints may become permanently flexed or extended in fixed postures (joint contractures), resulting in restricted movements.

Antley-Bixler Syndrome often appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. However, according to researchers, other cases may result from spontaneous (sporadic) genetic changes (mutations) that may be transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.

What are the symptoms for antley bixler syndrome?

Antley-Bixler syndrome is typically characterized by structural changes of the skull, bones of the face and other skeletal abnormalities. In most affected infants, there is premature closure of the joints (sutures) between different portions of the skull (craniosynostosis) Additional Craniofacial abnormalities may include a large, Prominent forehead (frontal bossing), underdeveloped middle regions of the face (midfacial hypoplasia); a large nose with a low nasal bridge; Protruding eyes (proptosis); and low-set, malformed (dysplastic) ears.

Antley-Bixler syndrome is also characterized by other distinctive skeletal changes. These may include fusion of bones of the arms that are next to each other (adjacent), particularly the forearm bone on the thumb side of the arm (radius) and the long bone of the upper arm (radiohumeral synostosis). In addition, there can be permanent flexion or extension of certain joints in a fixed position (joint contractures), leading to limited movements of the fingers, wrists, ankles, knees, and/or hips. Affected individuals may also have unusually long, thin fingers and toes (camptodactyly), structural changes on the bottom of the feet (“rocker-bottom” feet); or bowing and/or fractures of the thigh bones.

In some affected infants, a bony or thin layer of tissue may block the passageway between the nose and throat (choanal stenosis or atresia), leading to difficulty breathing. If this symptom is not treated promptly early in life, it may cause life-threatening respiratory problems.

Some individuals with Antley-Bixler syndrome may have additional symptoms. These may include certain structural defects of the urinary and genital organs (urogenital defects), inability to produce cholesterol from steroids (impaired steroidogenesis), developmental delay, and intellectual disability. ABS1 is the name given to the subtype that includes genital anomalies and disordered steroidogenesis. ABS1 is also a severe form of cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase deficiency. ABS2 is the name given to the subtype that does not include genital anomalies and disordered steroidogenesis.

What are the causes for antley bixler syndrome?

Antley-Bixler syndrome can be caused by mutations in two different genes. ABS1 is associated with mutations in the POR gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that a person will have ABS1 when he or she inherits two non-working copies of the POR gene, one from each parent. If an individual receives one working copy of the gene and one not working copy of the gene, the person will be a carrier for the syndrome but will not show symptoms. When both parents are carriers for the syndrome, there is a 25 percent chance the child will have ABS1. Additionally, there is fifty percent chance their child will be carriers of the condition (just like their parents) and a twenty-five percent chance that their child will receive both working copies of the gene. The risk is the same for each pregnancy.

ABS2 is associated with mutations in the FGFR2 gene. In this subtype, the condition is thought to be caused by spontaneous (new) changes of the gene. The condition then may be transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern in subsequent generations. Dominant genetic disorders occur when only a single copy of a non-working gene is necessary to cause a particular disease. The non-working gene can be inherited from either parent or can be the result of a mutated gene in the affected individual. The risk of passing the non-working gene from an affected parent to an offspring is 50% for each pregnancy. The risk is the same for males and females.

It is important to note that there are a number of syndromes that have been identified which are associated with mutations of the FGFR2 gene including Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes. (For further information on these disorders, please see the “Related Disorders” section of this report below.)

There have been a few reported cases which show that symptoms similar to Antley-Bixler syndrome may have resulted from maternal use of the antifungal medication (fluconazole) during early pregnancy. There is not a lot of research showing why this medication causes symptoms similar to Antley-Bixler syndrome.

What are the treatments for antley bixler syndrome?

The treatment of Antley-Bixler syndrome is directed toward the specific symptoms that are seen in each individual. Such treatment requires the coordinated efforts of a team of medical professionals who may need to systematically and comprehensively plan the treatment for a child with this condition. These professionals may include pediatricians, surgeons, physicians who specialize in disorders of specific body areas and organs. In individuals with Antley-Bixler syndrome, treatment typically includes surgery. The surgical procedures performed will depend upon the severity of the skeletal problems and its associated symptoms. It is possible that multiple surgeries will be needed in order to treat the malformations present.

There is no cure for the condition. All treatment is supportive and aimed at managing symptoms. However, early intervention may be important in ensuring that affected children reach their potential. For example, physical therapy is typically recommended to help improve the range of movement at certain joint contractures. Other therapies that may aide in managing symptoms include occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Because this is a genetic condition, individuals with Antley-Bixler syndrome and their families would benefit from meeting with a genetic counselor. Genetic counselors are professionals who have specialized education in genetics and counseling to provide personalized help patients may need as they make decisions about their genetic health.

What are the risk factors for antley bixler syndrome?

ABS2 is associated with mutations in the FGFR2 gene. In this subtype, the condition is thought to be caused by spontaneous (new) changes of the gene. The condition then may be transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern in subsequent generations. Dominant genetic disorders occur when only a single copy of a non-working gene is necessary to cause a particular disease. The non-working gene can be inherited from either parent or can be the result of a mutated gene in the affected individual. The risk of passing the non-working gene from an affected parent to an offspring is 50% for each pregnancy. The risk is the same for males and females.

It is important to note that there are a number of syndromes that have been identified which are associated with mutations of the FGFR2 gene including Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes. 

There have been a few reported cases which show that symptoms similar to Antley-Bixler syndrome may have resulted from maternal use of the antifungal medication (fluconazole) during early pregnancy. There is not a lot of research showing why this medication causes symptoms similar to Antley-Bixler syndrome.

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