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Pediatrics11 papers

X-linked intellectual disability Cilliers type

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

X-linked intellectual disability Cilliers type is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, often accompanied by distinctive physical features and variable systemic anomalies. It overlaps with other X-linked syndromes but is distinguished by specific clinical presentations including coloboma and cerebral-cerebellar anomalies 2.

Diagnosis

  • Intellectual Disability: Moderate to severe intellectual disability is a core feature 1.
  • Physical Anomalies: Dysmorphic features such as high forehead, synophrys, almond-shaped eyes, wide mouth, myxedematous appearance, hirsutism, onychodystrophy, and genital anomalies 1.
  • Systemic Abnormalities: Heart defects, retinal coloboma, esophageal atresia, limb anomalies (camptodactyly, clinodactyly), and colobomatous eye defects 12.
  • Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans may reveal cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, ventriculomegaly, or other cerebral anomalies 2.
  • Genetic Testing: Chromosomal microarray analysis or targeted sequencing for UBE2A gene deletions or mutations 1.
  • Management

  • Supportive Care: Early intervention programs for developmental delays, physical therapy for motor impairments 1.
  • Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration with pediatricians, geneticists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, and endocrinologists based on specific symptoms 12.
  • Symptomatic Treatment: Address specific anomalies such as heart defects, esophageal issues, and visual impairments with appropriate specialists 12.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Early identification and intervention are crucial for optimizing developmental outcomes 1.
  • Comorbidities: Management of associated conditions like heart defects and ocular abnormalities requires specialized care 12.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Genetic Counseling and Testing: Offer genetic counseling and chromosomal microarray analysis for diagnosis, especially in families with X-linked intellectual disability 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Evaluation: Conduct thorough evaluations involving multiple specialties to address diverse clinical manifestations 12 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Early Intervention Programs: Implement early intervention programs tailored to intellectual disability and physical anomalies 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion).
  • References

    1 Thunstrom S, Sodermark L, Ivarsson L, Samuelsson L, Stefanova M. UBE2A deficiency syndrome: a report of two unrelated cases with large Xq24 deletions encompassing UBE2A gene. American journal of medical genetics. Part A 2015. link 2 Kroes HY, Nievelstein RJ, Barth PG, Nikkels PG, Bergmann C, Gooskens RH et al.. Cerebral, cerebellar, and colobomatous anomalies in three related males: Sex-linked inheritance in a newly recognized syndrome with features overlapping with Joubert syndrome. American journal of medical genetics. Part A 2005. link 3 Van Esch H, Zanni G, Holvoet M, Borghgraef M, Chelly J, Fryns JP et al.. X-linked mental retardation, short stature, microcephaly and hypogonadism maps to Xp22.1-p21.3 in a Belgian family. European journal of medical genetics 2005. link 4 Saugier-Veber P, Abadie V, Moncla A, Mathieu M, Piussan C, Turleau C et al.. The Juberg-Marsidi syndrome maps to the proximal long arm of the X chromosome (Xq12-q21). American journal of human genetics 1993. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      UBE2A deficiency syndrome: a report of two unrelated cases with large Xq24 deletions encompassing UBE2A gene.Thunstrom S, Sodermark L, Ivarsson L, Samuelsson L, Stefanova M American journal of medical genetics. Part A (2015)
    2. [2]
      Cerebral, cerebellar, and colobomatous anomalies in three related males: Sex-linked inheritance in a newly recognized syndrome with features overlapping with Joubert syndrome.Kroes HY, Nievelstein RJ, Barth PG, Nikkels PG, Bergmann C, Gooskens RH et al. American journal of medical genetics. Part A (2005)
    3. [3]
      X-linked mental retardation, short stature, microcephaly and hypogonadism maps to Xp22.1-p21.3 in a Belgian family.Van Esch H, Zanni G, Holvoet M, Borghgraef M, Chelly J, Fryns JP et al. European journal of medical genetics (2005)
    4. [4]
      The Juberg-Marsidi syndrome maps to the proximal long arm of the X chromosome (Xq12-q21).Saugier-Veber P, Abadie V, Moncla A, Mathieu M, Piussan C, Turleau C et al. American journal of human genetics (1993)

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