Robinow Syndrome

Synonyms

• Fetal Face Syndrome
• Robinow Dwarfism
• Acral Dysostosis with Facial and Genital Abnormalities
• Costovertebral segmentation defect with mesomelia (formerly)

Disorder Subdivisions

• Robinow Syndrome Dominant Form
• Robinow Syndrome Recessive Form (COVESDEM Syndrome)

General Discussion

Robinow syndrome is an extremely rare inherited disorder characterized by mild to moderate short stature due to growth delays after birth (postnatal growth retardation); distinctive abnormalities of the head and facial (craniofacial) area; additional skeletal malformations; and/or genital abnormalities. The facial features of infants with Robinow syndrome resemble those of an eight-week-old fetus; within the medical literature, this condition is often referred to as "fetal face." Characteristic craniofacial features may include an abnormally large head (macrocephaly) with a bulging forehead (frontal bossing); widely spaced eyes (ocular hypertelorism) that are abnormally prominent; a small, upturned nose with nostrils that are flared forward (anteverted); and/or a sunken (depressed) nasal bridge. Skeletal malformations may include forearm bones (radius and ulna) that are unusually short (forearm brachymelia), abnormally short fingers and toes, permanent fixation of the fifth fingers in a bent position (clinodactyly), unusually small hands with broad thumbs, malformation of the ribs, abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and/or underdevelopment of one side of the bones in the middle (thoracic) portion of the spinal column (hemivertebrae). Genital abnormalities associated with Robinow syndrome may include an abnormally small penis (micropenis) and failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum (cryptorchidism) in affected males and underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the clitoris and the outer, elongated folds of skin on either side of the vaginal opening (labia majora) in affected females. The range and severity of symptoms vary from case to case.



In some cases, Robinow syndrome has autosomal dominant inheritance; in other cases, the disorder may have an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. According to the medical literature, individuals with the recessive form of Robinow syndrome may have more numerous abnormalities of the ribs and the bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) than in the dominant form of the disorder. In addition, the symptoms and physical findings associated with the recessive form tend to be more severe.

Resources

Human Growth Foundation

997 Glen Cove Avenue

Glen Head, NY 11545

Tel: (516)671-4041

Fax: (516)671-4055

Tel: (800)451-6434

Email: hgf1@hgfound.org

Internet: http://www.hgfound.org/



MAGIC Foundation for Children's Growth

6645 W. North Avenue

Oak Park, IL 60302

Tel: (708)383-0808

Fax: (708)383-0899

Tel: (800)362-4423

Email: mary@magicfoundation.org

Internet: http://www.magicfoundation.org



Children's Craniofacial Association

13140 Coit Road

Suite 517

Dallas, TX 75240

USA

Tel: (214)570-9099

Fax: (214)570-8811

Tel: (800)535-3643

Email: csmith@ccakids.com

Internet: http://www.ccakids.com



Little People of America, Inc.

250 El Camino Real

Suite 201

Tustin, CA 92780

Tel: (714)368-3689

Tel: (888)572-2001

Email: info@lpaonline.org

Internet: http://www.lpaonline.org



Congenital Heart Anomalies, Support, Education, & Resources

2112 North Wilkins Road

Swanton, OH 43558

Tel: (419)825-5575

Fax: (419)825-2880

Email: chaser@compuserve.com

Internet: http://www.csun.edu/~hcmth011/chaser/chaser-news.html



Restricted Growth Association

P.O. Box 4744

Dorchester

Dorset, Intl DT2 9FA

United Kingdom

Tel: 01308 898445

Fax: 01308 898445

Internet: http://www.restrictedgrowth.co.uk



National Craniofacial Foundation

3100 Carlisle Street

Suite 215

Dallas, TX 75204

Tel: (800)535-3643



NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse

1 AMS Circle

Bethesda, MD 20892-3675

USA

Tel: (301)495-4484

Fax: (301)718-6366

Tel: (877)226-4267

TDD: (301)565-2966

Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov

Internet: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info



Craniofacial Foundation of America

975 East Third Street

Chattanooga, TN 37403

Tel: (423)778-9192

Fax: (423)778-8172

Tel: (800)418-3223

Email: farmertm@erlanger.org

Internet: http://www.craniofacialcenter.com



Robinow Syndrome Foundation

P.O. Box 1072

Anoka, MN 55303

USA

Tel: (763)434-1152

Fax: (763)434-1152

Email: kmkruger@comcast.net

Internet: http://www.robinow.org/



MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network

150 Custer Court

Green Bay, WI 54301-1243

USA

Tel: (920)336-5333

Fax: (920)339-0995

Tel: (877)336-5333

Email: mums@netnet.net

Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

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This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  7/23/2007

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