Langer-Giedion syndrome is named after the two doctors who undertook the main research into the condition in the 1960s. It is a very rare condition and diagnosis is usually made at birth or in early childhood. The syndrome is caused by a small deletion of chromosomal material. In Langer-Giedion syndrome a small piece of the eighth chromosome’s long arm is missing, comprising a number of genes. The loss of these genes is responsible for some of the overall characteristics of Langer-Giedion syndrome. The features associated with this condition include mild to moderate learning difficulties, short stature, unique facial features, small head and skeletal abnormalities including bony growths projecting from the surfaces of bones. These may include benign bony growths on various bones of the body or cone-shaped extensions on the growing ends of certain bones, particularly in the hands, and specific craniofacial features. Typically individuals with Langer-Giedion syndrome have fine scalp hair, ears, which may be large, or prominent, broad eyebrows, deep-set eyes, bulbous nose, long narrow upper lip and missing teeth. Other features associated with this condition may include loose-wrinkled skin and joint laxity or floppiness, hearing loss and delayed speech. Individuals with Langer-Giedion syndrome may show a susceptibility to infections during the first years of life, especially chest infection. Individuals may show some or all of these features and, in addition, may be differently affected by the severity of their symptoms. The outlook for children with Langer-Giedion syndrome depends greatly on the severity of the features. Most cases of Langer-Giedion syndrome occur at irregular intervals, which means that the loss of genetic material is often not present in the parent and usually other family members are not affected. Currently there are no treatments for this syndrome. The patients with this disease are guaranteed a very short life span, if they survive past infancy. Currently there are scientists and doctors working on the Langer-Giedion syndrome, trying to find a way to reduce its risks.
