Alternative Names
Silver-Russell syndrome; Silver syndrome
Definition of Russell-Silver syndrome
Russell-Silver syndrome is a disorder present at birth that involves poor growth, low birth weight, short height, and differences in the size of the two sides of the body.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
An estimated 7 – 10% of patients with this syndrome have a defect called the maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) for chromosome 7. In another 35% of patients, there is an abnormality on chromosome 11 that affects genes important in growth. However, a cause cannot be identified in most patients. Most cases occur in people with no family history of the disease.
Signs and tests
The condition is usually diagnosed by early childhood. The doctor will perform a physical exam. Signs include:
Treatment
Growth hormone replacement may help if this hormone is lacking. Other treatments include:
Expectations (prognosis)
Older children and adults do not show typical features as clearly as infants or younger children. Intelligence may be normal, although the patient may have a learning disability.
Review
Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Winston-Salem, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. – 12/1/2010
