MED13L haploinsufficiency syndrome

Disease Overview

MED13L haploinsufficiency syndrome is a genetic syndrome that causes intellectual disability, speech problems, and behavioral problems. People with the syndrome usually have distinctive facial features, such as eyes that slant upwards, a flat nasal bridge with a bulb-like tip, very small chin (micrognathia), large and lowset ears, and broad forehead.[13535] Most children with the syndrome have poor muscle tone (hypotonia) and may take longer to learn to sit and walk independently (delayed motor skills). Some babies with MED13L haploinsufficiency syndrome are born with heart defects, which may be mild or severe. Other features may include short stature, cleft palate, problems with coordination (ataxia), and recurrent seizures (epilepsy).[11393][13536]

MED13L haploinsufficiency syndrome is caused by changes (pathogenic variants, also called mutations) in the MED13L gene. Diagnosis may be suspected due to distinctive facial features, speech delay, and intellectual disability, but must be confirmed by genetic testing.[11394] There is no cure or specific treatment for MED13L haploinsufficiency syndrome. Treatment depends on the types and severity of the medical, developmental, and behavioral problems affecting the person with the syndrome and may include heart surgery and therapies such as speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy.[11391]

Synonyms

• Cardiac anomalies-developmental delay-facial dysmorphism syndrome
• Intellectual disability and distinctive facial features with or without cardiac defects
• MED13L syndrome