What is Pfeiffer syndrome?
Pfeiffer syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by the premature fusion of certain skull bones (craniosynostosis). This early fusion prevents the skull from growing normally and affects the shape of the head and face. Pfeiffer syndrome also affects bones in the hands and feet.
Many of the characteristic facial features of Pfeiffer syndrome result from premature fusion of the skull bones. Abnormal growth of these bones leads to bulging and wide-set eyes, a high forehead, an underdeveloped upper jaw, and a beaked nose. More than half of all children with Pfeiffer syndrome have hearing loss; dental problems are also common.
In people with Pfeiffer syndrome, the thumbs and first (big) toes are wide and bend away from the other digits. Unusually short fingers and toes (brachydactyly) are also common, and there may be some webbing or fusion between the digits (syndactyly).
Pfeiffer syndrome is divided into three subtypes. Type 1, also known as classic Pfeiffer syndrome, has symptoms as described above. Most individuals with type 1 Pfeiffer syndrome have normal intelligence and a normal life span. Types 2 and 3 are more severe forms of Pfeiffer syndrome that often involve problems with the nervous system. The premature fusion of skull bones can limit brain growth, leading to delayed development and other neurological problems. Type 2 is distinguished from type 3 by the presence of a cloverleaf-shaped head, which is caused by more extensive fusion of bones in the skull.
How common is Pfeiffer syndrome?
Pfeiffer syndrome affects about 1 in 100,000 individuals.
What genes are related to Pfeiffer syndrome?
Pfeiffer syndrome results from mutations in theFGFR1 or FGFR2 gene. These genes provide instructions for making proteins known as fibroblast growth receptors 1 and 2. Among their multiple functions, these proteins signal immature cells to become bone cells during embryonic development. A mutation in either the FGFR1 or FGFR2 gene alters protein function and causes prolonged signaling, which can promote the premature fusion of skull bones and affect the development of bones in the hands and feet.
Type 1 Pfeiffer syndrome is caused by mutations in either the FGFR1 or FGFR2 gene. Types 2 and 3 are caused by mutations in the FGFR2 gene, and have not been associated with changes in the FGFR1 gene.
Read more about the FGFR1 and FGFR2 genes.
How do people inherit Pfeiffer syndrome?
This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.
Where can I find information about diagnosis or management of Pfeiffer syndrome?
These resources address the diagnosis or management of Pfeiffer syndrome and may include treatment providers.
Gene Review: FGFR-Related CraniosynostosisSyndromesGenetic Testing Registry: Pfeiffer syndromeMedlinePlus Encyclopedia: CraniosynostosisMedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Webbing of fingers ortoes
You might also find information on the diagnosis or management of Pfeiffer syndrome in Educational resources and Patient support.
General information about the diagnosis andmanagement of genetic conditions is available in the Handbook. Read more about genetic testing, particularly the difference between clinical tests and research tests.
To locate a healthcare provider, see How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.
Where can I find additional information about Pfeiffer syndrome?
You may find the following resources about Pfeiffer syndrome helpful. These materials are written for the general public.
MedlinePlus - Health information (3 links)
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Information about genetic conditions and rare diseasesAdditional NIH Resources - National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Craniosynostosis Information Page
Educational resources - Information pages (6 links)
Patient support - For patients and families (4 links)
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.
Gene Reviews - Clinical summary
Genetic Testing Registry - Repository of genetic test information (1 link)
ClinicalTrials.gov - Linking patients to medical researchPubMed - Recent literatureOMIM - Genetic disorder catalog
What other names do people use for Pfeiffer syndrome?
acrocephalosyndactyly, type VACS5ACS VCraniofacial-skeletal-dermatologic dysplasiaNoack syndrome
For more information about naming genetic conditions, see the Genetics Home ReferenceCondition Naming Guidelines and How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook.
What if I still have specific questions about Pfeiffer syndrome?
Ask the Genetic and Rare Diseases InformationCenter.
Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?
The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
What does it mean if a disorder seems to run in my family?What are the different ways in which a genetic condition can be inherited?If a genetic disorder runs in my family, what are the chances that my children will have the condition?Why are some genetic conditions more common in particular ethnic groups?
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.
Genetics and HealthResources for Patients and FamiliesResources for Health Professionals
What glossary definitions help with understanding Pfeiffer syndrome?
autosomal ; autosomal dominant ; brachydactyly ; cell ; craniofacial ; craniosynostosis ;dysplasia ; embryonic ; fibroblast ; gene ; hypertelorism ; inherited ; mutation ;nervous system ; neurological ; ocular proptosis ; proptosis ; protein ; syndactyly ; syndrome ;upper jaw
You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.
See also Understanding Medical Terminology.