Björnstad Syndrome

Björnstad Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the presence of hearing loss and twisted, brittle hair. It is named after the Swedish physician Björn Björnstad, who first described the condition in the 1960s. This syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that both parents must carry a copy of the mutated gene for their child to be affected.

Symptoms:

The most prominent feature of Björnstad Syndrome is the presence of twisted and brittle hair. This hair abnormality is usually evident from early childhood and may worsen over time. The hair is fragile and prone to breakage, leading to patchy hair loss. In some cases, the hair may also be sparse or absent in certain areas.

Hearing loss is another common symptom of Björnstad Syndrome. It can range from mild to severe and may affect one or both ears. The hearing loss is typically sensorineural, which means it is caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve.

Other less common features that may be associated with Björnstad Syndrome include:

• Developmental delay


• Intellectual disability


• Abnormalities of the nails


• Eye abnormalities


• Short stature


• Facial dysmorphism

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of Björnstad Syndrome is based on clinical findings, including the characteristic hair abnormalities and hearing loss. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis by identifying mutations in the BCS1L gene, which is responsible for this syndrome.

Treatment:

Currently, there is no specific treatment for Björnstad Syndrome. Management focuses on addressing the individual symptoms and providing support to affected individuals and their families. This may include:

• Hearing aids or other assistive devices to manage hearing loss


• Regular monitoring of hearing and vision


• Physical and occupational therapy to address developmental delays


• Psychological support and educational interventions for individuals with intellectual disability


• Protective measures for the hair, such as avoiding harsh chemicals and heat styling

Prognosis:

The prognosis for individuals with Björnstad Syndrome varies depending on the severity of symptoms. Some individuals may have relatively mild hearing loss and hair abnormalities, while others may experience more significant challenges. Early intervention and appropriate management can help improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

ICD-10 Code:

The ICD-10 code for Björnstad Syndrome is Q87.8. This code falls under the category of "Other specified congenital malformation syndromes affecting multiple systems."

ICD-9 Code:

As of October 1, 2015, the ICD-9 code system has been replaced by ICD-10. However, the corresponding ICD-9 code for Björnstad Syndrome was 759.89, which represented "Other specified congenital anomalies."