Odontotrichomelic syndrome

Other Names: 

Freire-Maia syndrome

Summary

Odontotrichomelic syndrome is a very rare ectodermal dysplasia affecting the hair, teeth, and nails and all four extremities. The main problems are malformations of all the extremities including absence of several bones in the hands and feet, abnormal teeth, and sparse hair (hypotrichosis). Other signs and symptoms may include: very small or undeveloped (hypoplastic) nails; abnormalities of the ear; excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis); an unusual facial appearance with malformed ears, large nose, high forehead, and protruding lips; as well as a flat head, long neck, and sloping shoulders with dimples on top. The cause is unknown. Inheritance is autosomal recessive.

About Odontotrichomelic syndrome

Many rare diseases have limited information. Currently, GARD aims to provide the following information for this disease:

• Population Estimate:Fewer than 1,000 people in the U.S. have thisdisease.
• Symptoms:May start to appear as a Child.
• Cause:This disease is caused by a change in the genetic material (DNA).
• Organizations:Patient organizations are available to help find a specialist, or advocacy and support for this specific disease.
• Categories:Birth Defects Genetic Diseases Skin Diseases

Genetic Mutations

Odontotrichomelic syndrome is caused by genetic mutations, also known as pathogenic variants. Genetic mutations can be hereditary, when parents pass them down to their children, or they may occur randomly when cells are dividing. Genetic mutations may also result from contracted viruses, environmental factors, such as UV radiation from sunlight exposure, or a combination of any of these. Learn more about genetic diseases from the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

If you suspect you may have this disease, you may want to start collecting your family health history. Information such as other family members who have had similar symptoms, when their/your symptoms first appeared, or exposures to any potential disease-causing environmental factors should be discussed with your medical team. This tool from the Surgeon General can help you collect your family health history.

Autosomal Recessive

Autosomal means the gene involved is located on one of the numbered chromosomes. Recessive means that a child must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each biological parent, to be affected by the disease. A carrier is a person who only has one copy of the genetic mutation. A carrier usually doesn't show any symptoms of the disease.

If both biological parents are carriers, there is a 25% their child inherits both copies of the mutated gene and is affected by the disease. Additionally, there is a 50% chance their child inherits only one copy of the mutated gene and is a carrier.

Learn more about inheritance patterns from the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

When Do Symptoms of Odontotrichomelic syndrome Begin?

Symptoms of this disease may start to appear as a Child.

The age symptoms may begin to appear differs between diseases. Symptoms may begin in a single age range, or during several age ranges. The symptoms of some diseases may begin at any age. Knowing when symptoms may have appeared can help medical providers find the correct diagnosis.