Condition
We hope that you find the information on this condition useful. Please keep in mind that genetic conditions are quite variable, and rarely affect two people in the exact same way.
What is 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome?HIDE DETAILS
15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome is a condition caused by a loss of genetic material, also called a deletion, on chromosome 15. There is no cure for this condition, but having a diagnosis can help guide a person’s health care. In addition, having a diagnosis of 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome in one family member allows for targeted testing of at-risk family members.
Features15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome is a genetic condition that has been associated with many symptoms. However, not all people with this condition will have all of the symptoms, and those symptoms vary in severity from person to person (variable expressivity). Additionally, some people with the microdeletion may not have any symptoms at all (non-penetrance). In other words, having this microdeletion leads to a predisposition for certain symptoms.The symptoms that are more likely to occur in someone with 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome than in someone without the condition are intellectual disability, seizures, autism spectrum disorder, neuropsychiatric disorder, and subtle, unique physical features.If a person with 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome has intellectual disability, it is usually in the mild to moderate range (this was previously known as mild to moderate mental retardation). If a person has seizures, they may be either mild or severe, and may respond well to medication though this is difficult to predict. It is also possible for a person with this condition to have an abnormal brain wave study (electroencephalogram or EEG) with or without seizures.If a person with 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome has autism spectrum disorder, it may be mild or severe. This has been characterized by delayed speech development, limited eye contact, and social withdrawal. If a person has neuropsychiatric disorder, it may be mild or severe. Individuals with 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome have been reported to have bipolar disorder, and others have been reported to have schizophrenia.If a person with 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome has subtle, unique physical features, it may be difficult for anyone other than a genetic specialist to recognize them. Individuals with with 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome have been reported to have facial features that are different from other family members and subtle, unusually shaped fingers.It is difficult to predict the chance for a person with 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome to experience each of these associated symptoms. As more people are diagnosed, and as the parents of that person are tested, we may gain a better understanding of how many people have the microdeletion, and what percentage of those people have each of the associated symptoms.Statistics15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome is a rare condition that has only recently been characterized; therefore it is difficult to pinpoint just how often it occurs. This is because there is a wide range of disability (variable expressivity), and some people with milder symptoms may not be diagnosed. Additionally, some people with the microdeletion may not have any symptoms at all (non-penetrance). 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome affects males and females of all ethnic backgrounds. It is estimated to occur in one out of 15,000 people