What is Weaver-Smith Syndrome?
Weaver-Smith Syndrome is a congenital condition in which the affected child shows accelerated growth. This rapid growth usually starts before birth, and after birth it tends to accelerate more. Individuals with Weaver-Smith Syndrome tend to mature faster than normal individuals of their age. Such individuals tend to have increased muscle tone and are hyperreflexic. They also tend to have psychomotor retardation. Individuals with Weaver-Smith Syndrome also tend to have certain foot deformities. Low pitched cry is also a classic presenting feature of Weaver-Smith Syndrome.
What are the Causes of Weaver-Smith Syndrome?
The root cause of Weaver-Smith Syndrome is not yet known. Some studies suggest a genetic link but this has not been proven as of yet. Some studies also suggest that this condition is inherited as an autosomal dominant disorder meaning that one copy of the faulty gene is enough for a child to develop this condition but again this has not been proven so far.
Some studies also suggest that it is an autosomal recessive disorder but there has not been any proof of it. In fact there has been no proof to suggest that there is a genetic link to the development of Weaver-Smith Syndrome.
What are the Symptoms of Weaver-Smith Syndrome?
Individuals with Weaver-Smith Syndrome exhibit accelerated growth and tend to mature faster than a normal individual but the height and weight tend to be the same as that of other normal individuals.
The symptoms of Weaver-Smith Syndrome may not be evident until the child is about six months of age. The child will show increase muscle tone and will be hyperreflexic. The child will tend to have slow voluntary movements. They also tend to have a slow pitched cry. Children with Weaver-Smith Syndrome will also have abnormally wide set eyes with epicanthal folds.
The thumbs of children with Weaver-Smith Syndrome are also abnormally broad. The fingers may be bent. There are also malformed toes as well in individuals with Weaver-Smith Syndrome. These individuals are not able to extend their elbows or knees normally as a result of Weaver-Smith Syndrome.
How is Weaver-Smith Syndrome Treated?
The treatment for Weaver-Smith Syndrome is basically supportive and symptomatic. For abnormalities of the foot and the upper extremities an orthopedist may be able to help who can formulate a treatment plan for the individual. Other than this, there is no other treatment for Weaver-Smith Syndrome.