Smith–Magenis syndrome

Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS), also known as 17p-microdeletion syndrome, is a microdeletion syndrome characterized by an abnormality in the short (p) arm of chromosome 17.[1] It has features including intellectual disability, facial abnormalities, difficulty sleeping, and numerous behavioral problems such as self-harm. Smith–Magenis syndrome affects an estimated between 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 25,000 individuals.[2]

Smith–Magenis syndrome
Other names17p11.2 microdeletion syndrome, smagentism[citation needed]
Pronunciation
  • Smith- maga(e)nis
SpecialtyGenetic
SymptomsDysmorphic facial features, intellectual disability, self harm, sleep disturbances, scoliosis, reduced sensitivity to pain and temperature
DurationLifelong
CausesMicrodeletion in the 17p11.2 region of chromosome 17
Risk factorsGenetic
Diagnostic methodGenetic testing
Differential diagnosisAutism (often mistaken at first but fixed later)
PreventionNo prevention found
MedicationMelatonin
Deaths(Unknown)

Signs and symptoms

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Facial features of children with Smith–Magenis syndrome include a broad and square face, deep-set eyes, large cheeks, and a prominent jaw, as well as a flat nose bridge (in the young child; as the child ages it becomes more ski-jump shaped). Eyes tend to be deep-set, close together, and slanted upwards. Eyebrows are heavy with lateral extension. The mouth is the most noticeable feature; both upper and lower lips are full, and the mouth is wide. The mouth curves downwards and the upper lip curves outwards, due to a fleshy philtrum. These facial features become more noticeable as the individual ages, as mandible growth outstrips that of the maxilla leading to a clear midface hypoplasia. There is also a mild brachycephaly.[3]

Disrupted sleep patterns are characteristic of Smith–Magenis syndrome, typically beginning early in life. Affected individuals may be very sleepy during the day, but have trouble falling asleep and awaken several times each night due to an inverted circadian rhythm of melatonin.[4]

Those affected by Smith–Magenis typically have behavioral problems, which include frequent temper tantrums, meltdowns and outbursts, aggression, anger, fidgeting, compulsive behavior, anxiety, impulsiveness, and difficulty paying attention. Self-harm behaviours, including biting, hitting, head banging, and skin picking, are very common. Behavioral complications in Smith-Magenis syndrome are thought to be worsened by issues with sleeping. [5] Repetitive self-hugging is a behavioral trait that may be unique to Smith–Magenis syndrome. People with this condition may also compulsively lick their fingers and flip pages of books and magazines (a behavior known as "lick and flip"), as well as possessing an impressive ability to recall a wide range of small details about people or subject-specific trivia.[citation needed]

Other symptoms can include short stature, abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), reduced sensitivity to pain and temperature, and a hoarse voice. Some people with this disorder have ear abnormalities that lead to hearing loss. Affected individuals may have eye abnormalities that cause nearsightedness (myopia), strabismus, and other problems with vision. Heart and kidney defects also have been reported in people with Smith–Magenis syndrome, though they are less common.

Cause

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Smith–Magenis syndrome is a chromosomal condition related to low copy repeats of specific segments of chromosome 17.[6] Most people with SMS have a deletion of genetic material from a specific region of chromosome 17 (17p11.2). Although this region contains multiple genes, recently researchers discovered that the loss of one particular gene, the retinoic acid induced 1 or RAI1, is responsible for most of the characteristic features of this condition.[7][8] Also, other genes within the chromosome 17 contribute to the variability and severity of the clinical features. The loss of other genes in the deleted region may help explain why the features of Smith–Magenis syndrome vary among affected individuals. A small percentage of people with Smith–Magenis syndrome have a mutation in the RAI1 gene instead of a chromosomal deletion.

These deletions and mutations lead to the production of an abnormal or nonfunctional version of the RAI1 protein. RAI1 is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of multiple genes, including several that are involved in controlling circadian rhythm, such as CLOCK.[9] The groups led by James Lupski (Baylor College of Medicine) and Sarah Elsea (Virginia Commonwealth University) are in the process of studying the exact function of this gene in relation to Smith-Magenis syndrome.[10][11]

SMS is typically not inherited. This condition usually results from a genetic change that occurs during the formation of reproductive cells (eggs or sperm) or in early fetal development. People with Smith–Magenis syndrome most often have no history of the condition in their family.

Diagnosis

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SMS is usually confirmed by blood tests called chromosome (cytogenetic) analysis and utilize a technique called FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization). The characteristic micro-deletion was sometimes overlooked in a standard FISH test, leading to a number of people with the symptoms of SMS with negative results.[citation needed]

The recent development of the FISH for 17p11.2 deletion test has allowed more accurate detection of this deletion.[12] However, further testing is required for variations of Smith–Magenis syndrome that are caused by a mutation of the RAI1 gene as opposed to a deletion.

Children with SMS are often given psychiatric diagnoses such as autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), and/or mood disorders.

Treatment

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Treatment for Smith–Magenis syndrome relies on managing its symptoms. Children with SMS often require several forms of support, including physical therapy, behaviour therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Support is often required throughout an affected person's lifetime.

Medication is often used to address some symptoms. Melatonin supplements and trazodone are commonly used to regulate sleep disturbances. In combination with exogenous melatonin, blockade of endogenous melatonin production during the day by the adrenergic antagonist acebutolol can increase concentration, improve sleep and sleep timing and aid in improvement of behaviour.[13] Other medications (such as risperidone) are sometimes used to regulate violent behavior.

Eponym

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The eponym Smith–Magenis refers to two scientists who described the condition in 1986, namely, Ann C. M. Smith, a genetic counselor at the National Institutes of Health, and R. Ellen Magenis, a pediatrician, medical geneticist, and cytogeneticist at the Oregon Health Sciences University.[14][15]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Bi, W; Yan, J; Stankiewicz, P; Park, SS; Walz, K; Boerkoel, CF; Potocki, L; Shaffer, LG; Devriendt, K; Nowaczyk, MJ; Inoue, K; Lupski, JR (May 2002). "Genes in a refined Smith-Magenis syndrome critical deletion interval on chromosome 17p11.2 and the syntenic region of the mouse". Genome Research. 12 (5): 713–28. doi:10.1101/gr.73702. PMC 186594. PMID 11997338.
  2. ^ "Smith-Magenis syndrome". December 2013. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  3. ^ Allanson, JE; Greenberg, F.; Smith, ACM (1999). "The face of Smith-Magenis syndrome: a subjective and objective study". Journal of Medical Genetics. 36 (5): 394–7. doi:10.1136/jmg.36.5.394. PMC 1734375. PMID 10353786.
  4. ^ De Leersnyder H, De Blois MC, Claustrat B, et al. (2001). "Inversion of the circadian rhythm of melatonin in the Smith-Magenis syndrome". J Pediatr. 139 (1): 111–116. doi:10.1067/mpd.2001.115018. PMID 11445803.
  5. ^ Chen L, Mullegama SV, Alaimo JT, et al. (2015). "Smith-Magenis syndrome and its circadian influence on development, behavior, and obesity - own experience". Dev Period Med. 19 (2): 149–156. PMID 26384114.
  6. ^ Shaw, CJ; Withers, MA; Lupski, JR (July 2004). "Uncommon deletions of the Smith-Magenis syndrome region can be recurrent when alternate low-copy repeats act as homologous recombination substrates". American Journal of Human Genetics. 75 (1): 75–81. doi:10.1086/422016. PMC 1182010. PMID 15148657.
  7. ^ Girirajan S, Vlangos CN, Szomju BB, et al. (2006). "Genotype-phenotype correlation in Smith–Magenis syndrome: evidence that multiple genes in 17p11.2 contribute to the clinical spectrum". Genet. Med. 8 (7): 417–27. doi:10.1097/01.gim.0000228215.32110.89. PMID 16845274.
  8. ^ Elsea, SH; Girirajan, S (April 2008). "Smith-Magenis syndrome". European Journal of Human Genetics. 16 (4): 412–21. doi:10.1038/sj.ejhg.5202009. PMID 18231123.
  9. ^ Williams SR, Zies D, Mullegama SV, et al. (2012). "Smith-Magenis syndrome results in disruption of CLOCK gene transcription and reveals an integral role for RAI1 in the maintenance of circadian rhythmicity". Am. J. Hum. Genet. 90 (6): 941–949. doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.04.013. PMC 3370274. PMID 22578325.
  10. ^ Lupski, James Richard. Exploring the Reversibilty of the Smith-Magenis Syndrome Phenotype
  11. ^ Building bridges of hope: taking stock of the Smith-Magenis Syndrome
  12. ^ Lupski, James R.; Potocki, Lorraine; Chen, Ken-Shiung; Park, Sung-Sup; Osterholm, Doreen E.; Withers, Marjorie A.; Kimonis, Virginia; Summers, Anne M.; Meschino, Wendy S.; Anyane-Yeboa, Kwame; Kashork, Catherine D.; Shaffer, Lisa G. (1 January 2000). "Molecular mechanism for duplication 17p11.2— the homologous recombination reciprocal of the Smith-Magenis microdeletion". Nature Genetics. 24 (1): 84–87. doi:10.1038/71743. PMID 10615134. S2CID 24400634.
  13. ^ De Leersnyder, H. (September 2006). "Inverted rhythm of melatonin secretion in Smith–Magenis syndrome: from symptoms to treatment". Trends Endocrinol. Metab. (Abstract). 17 (7): 291–8. doi:10.1016/j.tem.2006.07.007. PMID 16890450. S2CID 54300308.
    De-Leersnyder H, de-Blois MC, Vekemans M, Sidi D, Villain E, Kindermans C, Munnich A (September 2001). 1-adrenergic antagonists improve sleep and behavioural disturbances in a circadian disorder, Smith–Magenis syndrome". Journal of Medical Genetics. 38 (9): 586–590. doi:10.1136/jmg.38.9.586. PMC 1734944. PMID 11546826.
  14. ^ synd/3884 at Who Named It?
  15. ^ Smith AC, McGavran L, Robinson J, et al. (1986). "Interstitial deletion of (17)(p11.2p11.2) in nine patients". Am. J. Med. Genet. 24 (3): 393–414. doi:10.1002/ajmg.1320240303. PMID 2425619.

This article incorporates public domain text from The U.S. National Library of Medicine

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