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Pediatrics430 papers

Opitz-Frias syndrome

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Opitz-Frias syndrome, often discussed in the context of related syndromes like Opitz G/BBB and Bohring-Opitz, encompasses a spectrum of congenital anomalies characterized by midline defects, developmental delays, and variable physical manifestations including facial dysmorphism, limb anomalies, and genitourinary abnormalities. 1347121328

Diagnosis

  • Key Diagnostic Criteria: Midline defects (hypertelorism, cleft lip/palate, hypospadias), swallowing difficulties, characteristic facial features, and genitourinary anomalies. 371213
  • Recommended Tests: Genetic testing focusing on mutations in MID1 (for X-linked Opitz G/BBB) and chromosomal analysis for deletions or duplications (e.g., 2p deletion, 5p duplication). 7813
  • Biochemical Markers: Quantification of cholesterol precursors in amniotic fluid or plasma sterol analysis to identify cholesterol biosynthesis defects. 15161718
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments: Supportive care including nutritional support, physical therapy, and management of specific anomalies (e.g., surgical correction of cleft palate, tracheostomy for airway issues). 1310
  • Adjunctive Treatments: Statins may be considered to address cholesterol deficiency, though evidence is limited and primarily observational. 2
  • Ophthalmology Referral: Regular follow-up for ocular manifestations and potential complications such as cataracts and posterior synechiae. 940
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Prenatal diagnosis via amniotic fluid sterol analysis can identify cholesterol biosynthetic defects early. 1516
  • Pediatrics: Early intervention programs and multidisciplinary care teams are crucial for managing developmental delays and physical anomalies. 11121
  • Comorbidities: Management of associated conditions like pseudohypoaldosteronism in conjunction with Opitz C syndrome requires tailored multidisciplinary approaches. 25
  • Key Recommendations

  • Genetic and Chromosomal Testing: Perform genetic testing and chromosomal analysis to confirm diagnosis and identify specific genetic mutations or structural abnormalities. (Evidence: Moderate) 7813
  • Early Prenatal Screening: Utilize prenatal screening methods, including amniotic fluid sterol analysis, for early detection of cholesterol biosynthesis defects. (Evidence: Moderate) 1516
  • Multidisciplinary Care: Implement a multidisciplinary care approach involving specialists such as ophthalmologists, surgeons, and developmental pediatricians to address diverse clinical needs. (Evidence: Expert opinion) 13910
  • References

    1 López-Cañizares A, Al-Khersan H, Fernandez MP, Lin BR, Goduni L, Berrocal AM. Smith-Lemli-Optiz syndrome: importance of ophthalmology referral and follow-up. Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus 2023. link 2 Ballout RA, Livinski A, Fu YP, Steiner RD, Remaley AT. Statins for Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2022. link 3 Tajima H, Itoh H, Mochizuki A, Nakamura Y, Kobayashi Y, Hirai K et al.. Case of polyhydramnios complicated by Opitz G/BBB syndrome. The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research 2010. link 4 Pierron S, Richelme C, Triolo V, Mas JC, Griffet J, Karmous-Benailly H et al.. Evolution of a patient with Bohring-Opitz syndrome. American journal of medical genetics. Part A 2009. link 5 Bohring A, Oudesluijs GG, Grange DK, Zampino G, Thierry P. New cases of Bohring-Opitz syndrome, update, and critical review of the literature. American journal of medical genetics. Part A 2006. link 6 Opitz JM, Putnam AR, Comstock JM, Chin S, Byrne JL, Kennedy A et al.. Mortality and pathological findings in C (Opitz trigonocephaly) syndrome. Fetal and pediatric pathology 2006. link 7 Cho HJ, Shin MY, Ahn KM, Lee SI, Kim HJ, Ki CS et al.. X-linked Opitz G/BBB syndrome: identification of a novel mutation and prenatal diagnosis in a Korean family. Journal of Korean medical science 2006. link 8 Czakó M, Riegel M, Morava E, Bajnóczky K, Kosztolányi G. Opitz "C" trigonocephaly-like syndrome in a patient with terminal deletion of 2p and partial duplication of 17q. American journal of medical genetics. Part A 2004. link 9 Anstey AV, Taylor CR. Photosensitivity in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: the US experience of a new congenital photosensitivity syndrome. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1999. link70420-2) 10 Jacobson Z, Glickstein J, Hensle T, Marion RW. Further delineation of the Opitz G/BBB syndrome: report of an infant with complex congenital heart disease and bladder exstrophy, and review of the literature. American journal of medical genetics 1998. link1096-8628(19980707)78:3<294::aid-ajmg18>3.0.co;2-a) 11 Seller MJ, Flinter FA, Docherty Z, Fagg N, Newbould M. Phenotypic diversity in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Clinical dysmorphology 1997. link 12 Conlon BJ, O'Dwyer T. The G syndrome/Opitz oculo-genital-laryngeal syndrome/Opitz BBB/G syndrome/Opitz-Frias syndrome. The Journal of laryngology and otology 1995. link 13 Urioste M, Arroyo I, Villa A, Lorda-Sánchez I, Barrio R, López-Cuesta MJ et al.. Distal deletion of chromosome 13 in a child with the "opitz" GBBB syndrome. American journal of medical genetics 1995. link 14 Pierquin G, Peeters P, Roels F, Vamos E, Brucher JM, Tint GS et al.. Severe Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome with prolonged survival and lipid abnormalities. American journal of medical genetics 1995. link 15 Rossiter JP, Hofman KJ, Kelley RI. Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: prenatal diagnosis by quantification of cholesterol precursors in amniotic fluid. American journal of medical genetics 1995. link 16 Abuelo DN, Tint GS, Kelley R, Batta AK, Shefer S, Salen G. Prenatal detection of the cholesterol biosynthetic defect in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome by the analysis of amniotic fluid sterols. American journal of medical genetics 1995. link 17 Tint GS, Salen G, Batta AK, Shefer S, Irons M, Elias ER et al.. Correlation of severity and outcome with plasma sterol levels in variants of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. The Journal of pediatrics 1995. link70261-x) 18 Tint GS, Seller M, Hughes-Benzie R, Batta AK, Shefer S, Genest D et al.. Markedly increased tissue concentrations of 7-dehydrocholesterol combined with low levels of cholesterol are characteristic of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Journal of lipid research 1995. link 19 Johnson JA, Aughton DJ, Comstock CH, von Oeyen PT, Higgins JV, Schulz R. Prenatal diagnosis of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, type II. American journal of medical genetics 1994. link 20 Opitz JM, de la Cruz F. Cholesterol metabolism in the RSH/Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: summary of an NICHD conference. American journal of medical genetics 1994. link 21 Nwokoro NA, Hyde B, Mulvihill JJ. Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: biochemical before clinical diagnosis; early dietary management. American journal of medical genetics 1994. link 22 Herman TE, Siegel MJ, Lee BC, Dowton SB. Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome type II: report of a case with additional radiographic findings. Pediatric radiology 1993. link 23 Karsten J, Kosztolányi G. Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in siblings. Acta paediatrica Hungarica 1992. link 24 Leichtman LG, Werner A, Bass WT, Smith D, Brothman AR. Apparent Opitz BBBG syndrome with a partial duplication of 5p. American journal of medical genetics 1991. link 25 De Koster J, Legius E, de Zegher F, Devlieger H, Fryns JP, Eggermont E. Opitz C syndrome and pseudohypoaldosteronism. American journal of medical genetics 1990. link 26 Parnes S, Hunter AG, Jimenez C, Carpenter BF, MacDonald I. Apparent Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in a child with a previously undescribed form of mucolipidosis not involving the neurons. American journal of medical genetics 1990. link 27 Singer LP, Marion RW, Li JK. Limb deficiency in an infant with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. American journal of medical genetics 1989. link 28 Verloes A, Le Merrer M, Briard ML. BBBG syndrome or Opitz syndrome: new family. American journal of medical genetics 1989. link 29 Berry R, Wilson H, Robinson J, Sandlin C, Tyson W, Campbell J et al.. Apparent Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome and Miller-Dieker syndrome in a family with segregating translocation t(7;17)(q34;p13.1). American journal of medical genetics 1989. link 30 Bialer MG, Penchaszadeh VB, Kahn E, Libes R, Krigsman G, Lesser ML. Female external genitalia and müllerian duct derivatives in a 46,XY infant with the smith-lemli-Opitz syndrome. American journal of medical genetics 1987. link 31 Curry CJ, Carey JC, Holland JS, Chopra D, Fineman R, Golabi M et al.. Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome-type II: multiple congenital anomalies with male pseudohermaphroditism and frequent early lethality. American journal of medical genetics 1987. link 32 Scarbrough PR, Huddleston K, Finley SC. An additional case of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in a 46,XY infant with female external genitalia. Journal of medical genetics 1986. link 33 Fryns JP, Snoeck L, Kleczkowska A, Van den Berghe H. Opitz trigonocephaly syndrome and terminal transverse limb reduction defects. Helvetica paediatrica acta 1985. link 34 Chasalow FI, Blethen SL, Taysi K. Possible abnormalities of steroid secretion in children with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome and their parents. Steroids 1985. link90032-7) 35 Flatz SD, Schinzel A, Doehring E, Kamran D, Eilers E. Optiz trigonocephaly syndrome: report of two cases. European journal of pediatrics 1984. link 36 Greene C, Pitts W, Rosenfeld R, Luzzatti L. Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in two 46,XY infants with female external genitalia. Clinical genetics 1984. link 37 Cherstvoy ED, Lazjuk GI, Ostrovskaya TI, Shved IA, Kravtzova GI, Lurie IW et al.. The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. A detailed pathological study as a clue to a etiological heterogeneity. Virchows Archiv. A, Pathological anatomy and histopathology 1984. link 38 Kimmelman CP, Denneny JC. Opitz (G) syndrome. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 1982. link90047-7) 39 Kretzer FL, Hittner HM, Mehta RS. Ocular manifestations of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) 1981. link 40 Freedman RA, Baum JL. Postlenticular membrane associated with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. American journal of ophthalmology 1979. link90302-7) 41 Oberklaid F, Danks DM. The Opitz trigonocephaly syndrome. A case report. American journal of diseases of children (1960) 1975. link 42 Cherstvoy ED, Lazjuk GI, Lurie IW, Nedzved MK, Usoev SS. The pathological anatomy of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Clinical genetics 1975. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Smith-Lemli-Optiz syndrome: importance of ophthalmology referral and follow-up.López-Cañizares A, Al-Khersan H, Fernandez MP, Lin BR, Goduni L, Berrocal AM Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (2023)
    2. [2]
      Statins for Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.Ballout RA, Livinski A, Fu YP, Steiner RD, Remaley AT The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2022)
    3. [3]
      Case of polyhydramnios complicated by Opitz G/BBB syndrome.Tajima H, Itoh H, Mochizuki A, Nakamura Y, Kobayashi Y, Hirai K et al. The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research (2010)
    4. [4]
      Evolution of a patient with Bohring-Opitz syndrome.Pierron S, Richelme C, Triolo V, Mas JC, Griffet J, Karmous-Benailly H et al. American journal of medical genetics. Part A (2009)
    5. [5]
      New cases of Bohring-Opitz syndrome, update, and critical review of the literature.Bohring A, Oudesluijs GG, Grange DK, Zampino G, Thierry P American journal of medical genetics. Part A (2006)
    6. [6]
      Mortality and pathological findings in C (Opitz trigonocephaly) syndrome.Opitz JM, Putnam AR, Comstock JM, Chin S, Byrne JL, Kennedy A et al. Fetal and pediatric pathology (2006)
    7. [7]
      X-linked Opitz G/BBB syndrome: identification of a novel mutation and prenatal diagnosis in a Korean family.Cho HJ, Shin MY, Ahn KM, Lee SI, Kim HJ, Ki CS et al. Journal of Korean medical science (2006)
    8. [8]
      Opitz "C" trigonocephaly-like syndrome in a patient with terminal deletion of 2p and partial duplication of 17q.Czakó M, Riegel M, Morava E, Bajnóczky K, Kosztolányi G American journal of medical genetics. Part A (2004)
    9. [9]
      Photosensitivity in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: the US experience of a new congenital photosensitivity syndrome.Anstey AV, Taylor CR Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1999)
    10. [10]
    11. [11]
      Phenotypic diversity in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.Seller MJ, Flinter FA, Docherty Z, Fagg N, Newbould M Clinical dysmorphology (1997)
    12. [12]
      The G syndrome/Opitz oculo-genital-laryngeal syndrome/Opitz BBB/G syndrome/Opitz-Frias syndrome.Conlon BJ, O'Dwyer T The Journal of laryngology and otology (1995)
    13. [13]
      Distal deletion of chromosome 13 in a child with the "opitz" GBBB syndrome.Urioste M, Arroyo I, Villa A, Lorda-Sánchez I, Barrio R, López-Cuesta MJ et al. American journal of medical genetics (1995)
    14. [14]
      Severe Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome with prolonged survival and lipid abnormalities.Pierquin G, Peeters P, Roels F, Vamos E, Brucher JM, Tint GS et al. American journal of medical genetics (1995)
    15. [15]
      Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: prenatal diagnosis by quantification of cholesterol precursors in amniotic fluid.Rossiter JP, Hofman KJ, Kelley RI American journal of medical genetics (1995)
    16. [16]
      Prenatal detection of the cholesterol biosynthetic defect in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome by the analysis of amniotic fluid sterols.Abuelo DN, Tint GS, Kelley R, Batta AK, Shefer S, Salen G American journal of medical genetics (1995)
    17. [17]
      Correlation of severity and outcome with plasma sterol levels in variants of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.Tint GS, Salen G, Batta AK, Shefer S, Irons M, Elias ER et al. The Journal of pediatrics (1995)
    18. [18]
      Markedly increased tissue concentrations of 7-dehydrocholesterol combined with low levels of cholesterol are characteristic of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.Tint GS, Seller M, Hughes-Benzie R, Batta AK, Shefer S, Genest D et al. Journal of lipid research (1995)
    19. [19]
      Prenatal diagnosis of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, type II.Johnson JA, Aughton DJ, Comstock CH, von Oeyen PT, Higgins JV, Schulz R American journal of medical genetics (1994)
    20. [20]
      Cholesterol metabolism in the RSH/Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: summary of an NICHD conference.Opitz JM, de la Cruz F American journal of medical genetics (1994)
    21. [21]
      Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: biochemical before clinical diagnosis; early dietary management.Nwokoro NA, Hyde B, Mulvihill JJ American journal of medical genetics (1994)
    22. [22]
      Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome type II: report of a case with additional radiographic findings.Herman TE, Siegel MJ, Lee BC, Dowton SB Pediatric radiology (1993)
    23. [23]
      Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in siblings.Karsten J, Kosztolányi G Acta paediatrica Hungarica (1992)
    24. [24]
      Apparent Opitz BBBG syndrome with a partial duplication of 5p.Leichtman LG, Werner A, Bass WT, Smith D, Brothman AR American journal of medical genetics (1991)
    25. [25]
      Opitz C syndrome and pseudohypoaldosteronism.De Koster J, Legius E, de Zegher F, Devlieger H, Fryns JP, Eggermont E American journal of medical genetics (1990)
    26. [26]
      Apparent Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in a child with a previously undescribed form of mucolipidosis not involving the neurons.Parnes S, Hunter AG, Jimenez C, Carpenter BF, MacDonald I American journal of medical genetics (1990)
    27. [27]
      Limb deficiency in an infant with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.Singer LP, Marion RW, Li JK American journal of medical genetics (1989)
    28. [28]
      BBBG syndrome or Opitz syndrome: new family.Verloes A, Le Merrer M, Briard ML American journal of medical genetics (1989)
    29. [29]
      Apparent Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome and Miller-Dieker syndrome in a family with segregating translocation t(7;17)(q34;p13.1).Berry R, Wilson H, Robinson J, Sandlin C, Tyson W, Campbell J et al. American journal of medical genetics (1989)
    30. [30]
      Female external genitalia and müllerian duct derivatives in a 46,XY infant with the smith-lemli-Opitz syndrome.Bialer MG, Penchaszadeh VB, Kahn E, Libes R, Krigsman G, Lesser ML American journal of medical genetics (1987)
    31. [31]
      Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome-type II: multiple congenital anomalies with male pseudohermaphroditism and frequent early lethality.Curry CJ, Carey JC, Holland JS, Chopra D, Fineman R, Golabi M et al. American journal of medical genetics (1987)
    32. [32]
      An additional case of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in a 46,XY infant with female external genitalia.Scarbrough PR, Huddleston K, Finley SC Journal of medical genetics (1986)
    33. [33]
      Opitz trigonocephaly syndrome and terminal transverse limb reduction defects.Fryns JP, Snoeck L, Kleczkowska A, Van den Berghe H Helvetica paediatrica acta (1985)
    34. [34]
    35. [35]
      Optiz trigonocephaly syndrome: report of two cases.Flatz SD, Schinzel A, Doehring E, Kamran D, Eilers E European journal of pediatrics (1984)
    36. [36]
      Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in two 46,XY infants with female external genitalia.Greene C, Pitts W, Rosenfeld R, Luzzatti L Clinical genetics (1984)
    37. [37]
      The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. A detailed pathological study as a clue to a etiological heterogeneity.Cherstvoy ED, Lazjuk GI, Ostrovskaya TI, Shved IA, Kravtzova GI, Lurie IW et al. Virchows Archiv. A, Pathological anatomy and histopathology (1984)
    38. [38]
      Opitz (G) syndrome.Kimmelman CP, Denneny JC International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology (1982)
    39. [39]
      Ocular manifestations of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.Kretzer FL, Hittner HM, Mehta RS Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) (1981)
    40. [40]
      Postlenticular membrane associated with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.Freedman RA, Baum JL American journal of ophthalmology (1979)
    41. [41]
      The Opitz trigonocephaly syndrome. A case report.Oberklaid F, Danks DM American journal of diseases of children (1960) (1975)
    42. [42]
      The pathological anatomy of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.Cherstvoy ED, Lazjuk GI, Lurie IW, Nedzved MK, Usoev SS Clinical genetics (1975)

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