Dysphagia, esophageal reflux, and other feeding difficulties are also common. Vision
The most common visual abnormalities associated with 1p36 deletion syndrome include farsightedness (hypermetropia), myopia (nearsightedness), and strabismus (cross-eyes). Less common but still recognized are blepharophimosis, cataracts, ocular albinism, optic atrophy, optic disk pallor, and optic nerve coloboma. Distinct facial features
The facial features of 1p36 deletion syndrome have been considered to be characteristic, although few patients have been diagnosed solely on the basis of facial appearance. These features may include microcephaly (small head), which may be combined with brachycephaly (short head); small, deep-set eyes; straight eyebrows; epicanthal folds; a broad, flat nose and nasal bridge; underdevelopment of the midface (midface hypoplasia); a long philtrum; pointed chin; and abnormally shaped, rotated, low-set ears. Infants may have a large anterior fontanelle, or the anterior fontanelle may close late. Other congenital defects
Skeletal
Short feet, brachydactyly (short fingers), and camptodactyly (permanent flexion of a finger), fifth finger clinodactyly (abnormal curvature) and other skeletal anomalies are sometimes found in conjunction with 1p36 deletion. Heart
These patients may have congenital heart defects ranging from cardiac septal defects to valvular anomalies and tetralogy of Fallot. In particular, some of the patients may have LV noncompaction a form of dilated cardiomyopathy. This form of LV noncompaction cardiomyopathy is thought to be related to the deletion of the gene CASZ1, this gene in mice leads to ventricular noncompaction. Genitourinary and kidneys
Genetics
1p36 deletion syndrome is caused by the deletion of the most distal light band of the short arm of chromosome 1.
The breakpoints for 1p36 deletion syndrome have been variable and are most commonly found from 1p36.13 to 1p36.33. 40 percent of all breakpoints occur 3 to 5 million base pairs from the telomere. The size of the deletion ranges from approximately 1.5 million base pairs to greater than 10 million.Most deletions in chromosome 1p36 are de novo mutations. 20% of patients with 1p36 deletion syndrome inherit the disease from one parent who carries a balanced or symmetrical translocation. Diagnosis
1p36 deletion syndrome is usually suspected based on the signs and symptoms and confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Chromosomal microarray or karyotype analysis may also be used to diagnose 1p36 deletion. Treatment
There is no cure for 1p36 deletion syndrome, and treatment is focused on relieving symptoms of the disease. Of particular importance are appropriate medication for endocrine and neurologic manifestations, such as anti-seizure medications. Feeding difficulties can be managed with specialized assistive devices or with a gastrostomy (feeding) tube. Epidemiology
1p36 deletion syndrome is the most common terminal deletion syndrome in humans. It occurs in between 1 in 5000 and 1 in 10000 live births. And only 100 cases have been reported since 1981. == References ==