Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome

Title

Other Names:

Hairy elbows, short stature, facial dysmorphism, and developmental delay; Wiedemann Grosse Dibbern syndrome; WDSTS; Hairy elbows, short stature, facial dysmorphism, and developmental delay; Wiedemann Grosse Dibbern syndrome; WDSTS; Hypertrichosis-short stature-facial dysmorphism-developmental delay syndrome See More

Summary Summary

Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome is a rare genetic condition characterized by distinctive facial features, hairy elbows, short stature, and intellectual disability. ^[1]^[2]^[3] This condition is caused by changes (mutations) in the KMT2A gene (also known as the MLL gene). It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Most cases result from new (de novo) mutations that occur only in an egg or sperm cell, or just after conception.^[4] Treatment is symptomatic and supportive and may include special education classes and speech and occupational therapies aimed at increasing motor functioning and language.^[5]

Last updated: 4/17/2015

Symptoms Symptoms

The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) provides the following list of features that have been reported in people with this condition. Much of the information in the HPO comes from Orphanet, a European rare disease database. If available, the list includes a rough estimate of how common a feature is (its frequency). Frequencies are based on a specific study and may not be representative of all studies. You can use the MedlinePlus Medical Dictionary for definitions of the terms below.

Signs and Symptoms	Approximate number of patients (when available)
Constipation	5%
Delayed skeletal maturation	5%
Long eyelashes	5%
Muscular hypotonia	5%
Sacral dimple	5%
Seizures	5%
Tapered finger	5%
Aggressive behavior	-
Blepharophimosis	-
Broad-based gait	-
Clinodactyly of the 5th finger	-
Delayed speech and language development	-
Epicanthus	-
Failure to thrive	-
Flat face	-
High palate	-
Hypertelorism	-
Intellectual disability	-
Long philtrum	-
Low-set ears	-
Short middle phalanx of finger	-
Short stature	-
Short toe	-
Strabismus	-
Synophrys	-
Thick eyebrow	-
Wide nose	-

Last updated: 9/1/2016

Diagnosis Diagnosis

Making a diagnosis for a genetic or rare disease can often be challenging. Healthcare professionals typically look at a person’s medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory test results in order to make a diagnosis. The following resources provide information relating to diagnosis and testing for this condition. If you have questions about getting a diagnosis, you should contact a healthcare professional.

Testing Resources

The Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) provides information about the genetic tests for this condition. The intended audience for the GTR is health care providers and researchers. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.

Living With Living With

Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

Genetics Resources

To find a medical professional who specializes in genetics, you can ask your doctor for a referral or you can search for one yourself. Online directories are provided by GeneTests, the American College of Medical Genetics, and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. If you need additional help, contact a GARD Information Specialist. You can also learn more about genetic consultations from Genetics Home Reference.

Learn More Learn More

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

GARD Answers GARD Answers

If you would like to submit a question, please contact GARD

References References

Miyake N, Tsurusaki Y, Koshimizu E, et al. Delineation of clinical features in Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome caused by KMT2A mutations. Clin Genet. March 25, 2015; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=25810209. Accessed 3/30/2015.
Mendelsohn BA, Pronold M, Long R, Smaoui N, Slavotinek AM.. Advanced bone age in a girl with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome and an exonic deletion in KMT2A (MLL). Am J Med Genet Part A. August 2014; 164A(8):2079-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=24818805.
Koenig R, Meinecke P, Kuechler A, et al. Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome: three further cases. Am J Med Genet Part A. Sep 2010; 152A(9):2372-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=20803650.
Jones WD, Dafou D, McEntagart M, et al. De novo mutations in MLL cause Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. Aug 10, 2012; 91(2):358-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3415539/. Accessed 3/30/2015.
Strom SP, Lozano R, Lee H, et al. De Novo variants in the KMT2A (MLL) gene causing atypical Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome in two unrelated individuals identified by clinical exome sequencing. BMC Med Genet. May 1, 2014; 15:49. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4072606/. Accessed 3/30/2015.