Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)


Other names people use for this condition
  • Short stature with delayed bone age, expressive language delay, a triangular face with a prominent nose and deep-set eyes
  • Pelletier-Leisti syndrome
  • FHS
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Floating-Harbor syndrome
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What information can you provide about Floating-Harbor syndrome?



  • What is Floating-Harbor syndrome? (Back to Top)

  • Floating-Harbor syndrome is a genetic disorder that was named for the first two identified patients who were seen at Boston Floating Hospital and Harbor General Hospital in California.[1][2] The main characteristics of this syndrome are short stature, delayed bone growth, delay in expressive language, and distinct facial features.[1] The exact cause of Floating-Harbor syndrome is not known.[1][2] Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.[1]
  • Last Reviewed: 5/7/2009

  • What characteristics have been associated with Floating-Harbor syndrome? (Back to Top)

  • Floating-Harbor syndrome is characterized by short stature, delayed language skills (particularly expressive langauge), delayed bone growth, and a triangular shaped face. A broad nose, deep-set eyes and a wide mouth with thin lips give an affected individual a distinct appearance.[1][2]

    Other possible manifestations of this condition include:[1]


  • Last Reviewed: 5/7/2009

  • What causes Floating-Harbor syndrome? (Back to Top)

  • The exact cause of Floating-Harbor syndrome is not known.[1] Autosomal dominant inheritance has been suggested.[3] 
  • Last Reviewed: 5/7/2009

  • How might Floating-Harbor syndrome be treated? (Back to Top)

  • Treatment for Floating-Harbor syndrome is symptomatic and supportive. For example, dental problems and cataracts may be surgically corrected and sign language and/or speech therapy may help with delays in expressive language.[1]

    Additional management strategies may be obtained from the Floating Harbor Syndrome Support Group at:
    http://www.floatingharborsyndromesupport.com/ or 336-492-2641.
  • Last Reviewed: 5/7/2009


References  (Back)
  1. . Floating Harbor Syndrome Support Group. Available at: http://www.floatingharborsyndromesupport.com/. Accessed May 7, 2009.
  2. Floating Harbor Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2004 Available at: http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Floating%20Harbor%20Syndrome. Accessed May 7, 2009.
  3. Floating-Harbor Syndrome. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). 2007 Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=136140. Accessed May 7, 2009.

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