Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a hereditary disorder of the X chromosome. FXS is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation and the most common known cause of autism. FXS affects 1 in 4000 males and 1 in 6000 females.
FXS is caused by mutations of the FMR1 gene. These mutations interfere with the normal development of certain parts of the brain and body by affecting the production of a normal body substance called “fragile X mental retardation protein” (FMRP). In the absence of FMRP, neural connections in the brain cannot be made properly and affected children do not fully develop some higher cognitive functions.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The main risk factor for FXS is having a parent with an FMR1 mutation. These mutations vary in degree. Most people who inherit a minor mutation, which is sometimes called a premutation, do not develop the symptoms and signs of FXS, though a few premutated children may show signs resembling autism, and others (primarily males) may develop a set of neurological symptoms called “fragile X tremor ataxia syndrome” in later adult life.
However, children of mothers with FMR1 premutations are at risk of inheriting a fully mutated FMR1 gene severe enough to cause symptomatic FXS. If a woman is an asymptomatic carrier of an FMRI mutation or premutation, each child of hers has a 50% chance of inheriting that gene. Of the children that inherit that gene, boys are much more likely to develop symptoms than girls, although the severity of the disorder may be quite variable between different individuals.
In general, each subsequent generation tends to have worse mutations and a higher risk of FXS than the previous one.
The number and severity of symptoms varies widely. Symptoms tend to be less frequent and milder in females. Symptoms can include:
The doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. FXS may be suspected if a child has:
The diagnosis can be confirmed by a DNA blood test or increasingly by direct analysis of FMRP in hair or blood.
There is no cure for FXS. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms. Treatment may include:
Medications used to treat symptoms of FXS include:
Scientists are currently trying to understand how FMRP works in the body so that specific treatments may someday prove possible. Unfortunately even the possibility of such treatment remains far in the future.
Specific educational strategies depend on the degree of developmental delays and/or mental retardation. Educational strategies include setting a stable educational environment for the patient that includes:
RESOURCES:
FRAXA Research Foundation
http://www.fraxa.org
The National Fragile X Foundation
http://www.fragilex.org
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
http://www.nichd.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Fragile X Research Foundation of Canada
http://www.fragile-x.ca/default2.htm
References:
American College of Medical Genetics website. Available at: http://www.acmg.net/ .
Bardoni B, Davidovic L, Bensaid M, Khandjian EW. The fragile X syndrome: exploring its molecular basis and seeking a treatment. Expert Rev Mol Med . 2006;8(8):1-16.
FRAXA Research Foundation website. Available at: http://www.fraxa.org .
The Merck Manual of Medical Information . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov .
Willemsen R, Anar B, De Diego Otero Y, et al. Noninvasive test for fragile X syndrome, using hair root analysis. Am J Hum Genet . 1999;65(1):98-103.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
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