Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a genetic disease that involves broad thumbs and toes, short stature, distinctive facial features, and varying degrees of intellectual disability.
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is a rare condition. Most people with RTS have a defect in a gene that leads to abnormal protein substances called CREBBP and EP300.
Some patients, typically with more severe problems, are missing the gene entirely.
Most cases are sporadic (not passed down through families) and likely due to a new genetic defect that occurs while the baby grows in the womb, which was not passed on by either parent.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Blood tests and x-rays will be done.
Genetic tests can be done to determine if the genes involved in this disease are missing or changed.
There is no specific treatment for Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. Surgery to repair the bones in the thumbs or toes can sometimes improve grasp or relieve discomfort.
Rubinstein-Taybi Parents Group USA -- www.rubinstein-taybi.org
The majority of children can learn to read at an elementary level. The majority have delayed motor development, but on average, they learn to walk by 2 1/2 years of age.
Complications depend on what part of the body is affected. Complications may include:
An appointment with a geneticist is recommended if the health care provider finds signs of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.
Genetic counseling is advised for couples with a family history of this disease who are planning a pregnancy.
Rubinstein syndrome, RTS
Morelli JG. Disorders of the Nails. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 662.
Reviewed by: 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. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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