Split hand foot malformation

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Alternate names[edit | edit source]

SHFM; Ectrodactyly

Definition[edit | edit source]

Split hand foot malformation (SHFM) is a type of birth defect that consists of missing digits (fingers and/or toes), a deep cleft down the center of the hand or foot, and fusion of remaining digits.

Summary[edit | edit source]

  • SHFM is sometimes called ectrodactyly; however, this is a nonspecific term used to describe missing digits.
  • SHFM may occur by itself (isolated) or it may be part of a syndrome with abnormalities in other parts of the body.
  • The severity of this condition varies widely among affected individuals.

Forms[edit | edit source]

  • At least six different forms of isolated SHFM have been described. Each type is associated with a different underlying genetic cause.
  • SHFM1 has been linked to chromosome 7, and SHFM2 is linked to the X chromosome.
  • SHFM3 is caused by a duplication of chromosome 10 at position 10q24.
  • Changes (mutations) in the TP63 gene cause SHFM4.
  • SHFM5 is linked to chromosome 2, and SHFM6 is caused by mutations in the WNT10B gene.

Cause[edit | edit source]

  • Split hand foot malformation may occur as an isolated feature or it may be associated with a genetic syndrome.
  • Researchers believe that a large number of mutations can cause split hand foot malformation.
  • A few of which have been identified: FBXW4 and TP63.
  • Most commonly the conditions are passed through families in an autosomal dominant fashion with reduced penetrance.
  • In autosomal dominant inheritance an affected parent would have a 1 in 2 or 50% chance with each pregnancy of passing the genetic defect to his/her offspring.
  • In conditions with “reduced penetrance” a person who inherits the underlying genetic defect, may never develop the condition.

Inheritance[edit | edit source]

SHFM may be inherited in an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked manner.

Clinical presentation[edit | edit source]

For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. 80%-99% of people have these symptoms

30%-79% of people have these symptoms

5%-29% of people have these symptoms

  • Absent hand
  • Aniridia(Absent iris)
  • Sensorineural hearing impairment
  • Split hand(Claw hand)

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Treatment[edit | edit source]

NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]

Split hand foot malformation is a rare disease.


Split hand foot malformation Resources
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