Schwartz-Jampel syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and skeletal abnormalities. It is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 1 million individuals worldwide. The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning both parents must carry the gene mutation for a child to be affected. Symptoms typically manifest in early childhood and may include joint contractures, facial dysmorphism, and growth delays. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for optimizing quality of life for individuals with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome.
Schwartz-Jampel syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and skeletal abnormalities. It is estimated that the prevalence of this syndrome is approximately 1 in 1 million individuals worldwide, making it an extremely rare condition.
The 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. The specific gene involved in Schwartz-Jampel syndrome is called HSPG2.
Individuals with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome often experience muscle stiffness, known as myotonia, which can lead to difficulty with movement and joint contractures. These symptoms typically appear in early childhood and can vary in severity from mild to severe.
Other common features of the syndrome include short stature, facial abnormalities, and skeletal deformities such as scoliosis and hip dysplasia. Additionally, individuals may have vision and hearing impairments, as well as dental abnormalities.
Due to its rarity, Schwartz-Jampel syndrome is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, leading to challenges in understanding its true prevalence. Early diagnosis and management of symptoms are crucial in improving the quality of life for individuals with this syndrome.