Is Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome hereditary?
Here you can see if Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome can be hereditary. Do you have any genetic components? Does any member of your family have Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome or may be more predisposed to developing the condition?
Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deletion on chromosome 4. It is typically not inherited, but rather occurs as a random event during the formation of reproductive cells or early development. The deletion is usually not present in the parents and is not passed on to future generations. WHS affects various aspects of development and can lead to intellectual disabilities, distinctive facial features, and other medical issues.
Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS) is a rare genetic disorder that affects multiple body systems. It is caused by a deletion of genetic material on the short arm of chromosome 4. The syndrome was first described by Drs. Herbert L. Cooper and Kurt Hirschhorn in 1961, hence the name.
WHS is typically not inherited from parents, but rather occurs as a random event during the formation of reproductive cells or early embryonic development. The deletion on chromosome 4 is usually not present in either parent and arises spontaneously. Therefore, the risk of having another child with WHS is generally low for parents who have one affected child.
However, in rare cases, WHS can be inherited from a parent who carries a balanced translocation involving chromosome 4. In such cases, the parent has rearranged genetic material but does not show any symptoms of WHS. When a parent with a balanced translocation passes on the rearranged chromosome 4 to their child, it can result in WHS.
It is important to note that genetic counseling is crucial for families affected by WHS. A genetic counselor can provide detailed information about the specific genetic changes involved and assess the risk of recurrence based on the parents' genetic profiles.
While WHS is not typically hereditary, understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms and risks associated with the syndrome can help families make informed decisions about family planning and seek appropriate medical care.
The second is if a parent has a translocation of some genetic material but part of their fourth chromosome is attached to another chromasome. That is that they have all the genetic material required and have no symptoms of WHS themselves, but when hey have a child, the genes miss out the translocated gene meaning the child has 4p deletion and will have WHS.
Posted Jan 9, 2018 by Nick 1400
