This study reports the physical and radiographic characteristics of 45 patients with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome living in The Netherlands. All had broad halluces, but only 39 patients had broad thumbs. Microcephaly was present in 35% of patients. In addition to the well-known characteristics, persistent fetal pads, a shawl scrotum, and a high frequency of fractures were found in several patients. Morbidity was mainly determined by the mental handicap, constipation, and recurrent upper respiratory infections, probably due to abnormal anatomy in the craniofacial region. Easy collapsible laryngeal walls may cause problems in sleep and anaesthesia.
The Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is a condition characterized by mental retardation, typical facial changes and broad thumbs and big toes. The cause is unknown; almost all cases are sporadic. We describe a mother and son with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. Literature search documented at least 413 cases with 558 sibs. An affected offspring has occurred at least twice, possibly six times. In 45 yet undescribed Dutch cases no recurrence was found in 94 sibs. A submicroscopic chromosome deletion seems the most probable explanation, but other alternatives may be possible.
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