The portions of chromosome 22 deleted in DiGeorge syndrome play a role in the development of a number of body systems. As a result, the disorder can cause several errors during fetal development. Common problems that occur with DiGeorge syndrome include:
Sept. 03, 2014
- Heart defects. DiGeorge syndrome often causes heart defects that result in an insufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood. These defects may include a hole between the lower chambers of the heart (ventricular septal defect); only one large vessel, rather than two vessels, leading out of the heart (truncus arteriosus); or a combination of four abnormal heart structures (tetralogy of Fallot).
- Hypoparathyroidism. The four parathyroid glands in your neck regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your body. DiGeorge syndrome can cause smaller than normal parathyroid glands that secrete too little parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to a condition called hypoparathyroidism. This condition results in low levels of calcium and high levels of phosphorus in your blood.
- Thymus gland dysfunction. The thymus gland, located beneath the breastbone, is where T cells — a type of white blood cell — mature. Mature T cells are needed to help fight infections. In children with DiGeorge syndrome, the thymus gland may be small or missing, resulting in poor immune function and frequent, severe infections.
- Cleft palate. A common condition of DiGeorge syndrome is a cleft palate — an opening (cleft) in the roof of the mouth (palate) — with or without a cleft lip. Other, less visible abnormalities of the palate that may also be present can make it difficult to swallow or produce certain sounds in speech.
- Distinct facial features. A number of particular facial features may be present in some people with DiGeorge syndrome. These may include small, low-set ears, wide-set eyes, hooded eyes, a relatively long face, or a short or flattened groove in the upper lip.
- Learning, behavioral and mental health problems. The 22q11.2 deletion may cause problems with the development and function of the brain, resulting in learning, social, developmental or behavioral problems. Delays in toddler speech development and learning difficulties are common. A number of children with DiGeorge syndrome develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder. Later in life people with DiGeorge syndrome are at increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and other mental health disorders.
- Autoimmune disorders. People who had poor immune function as children, due to a small or missing thymus, may have an increased risk of autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Graves' disease.
- Other problems. A large number of medical conditions may be associated with DiGeorge syndrome, such as hearing impairment, poor vision, poor kidney function, and relatively short stature for one's family.
- DiGeorge syndrome. Immune Deficiency Foundation. http://primaryimmune.org/about-primary-immunodeficiencies/specific-disease-types/digeorge-syndrome/. Accessed June 16, 2014.
- 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/22q112-deletion-syndrome. Accessed June 16, 2014.
- DiGeorge syndrome (DGS). American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/primary-immunodeficiency-disease/digeorge-syndrome.aspx. Accessed June 16, 2014.
- DiGeorge syndrome. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/AboutCongenitalHeartDefects/DiGeorge-Syndrome_UCM_309017_Article.jsp. Accessed June 16, 2014.
- Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders. http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/853/viewFullReport. Accessed June 16, 2014.
- DiGeorge Syndrome. The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/immunology_allergic_disorders/immunodeficiency_disorders/digeorge_syndrome.html. Accessed June 16, 2014.
- Seroogy CM. DiGeorge syndrome: Epidemiology and pathogenesis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 16, 2014.
- Seroogy CM. DiGeorge syndrome: Clinical features and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 16, 2014.
- Seroogy CM. DiGeorge syndrome: Management and prognosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 16, 2014.
- Hofstetter AM, et al. Live vaccine use and safety in DiGeorge syndrome. Pediatrics. 2014;133:e946.
- VCFSEF support groups & contacts in the United States. Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Educational Foundation, Inc. http://www.vcfsef.org/sub_page.php?sub_id=27&parent_id=2. Accessed June 17, 2014.
- Babovic-Vuksanovic D (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 3, 2014.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 21, 2014.