Cornelia De Lange Case Study

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Introduction Cornelia De Lange Syndrome is named after Dr. Cornelia de Lange, a Dutch pediatrician who saw two patients in a pediatric hospital presenting with the same symptoms and bearing a striking resemblance in their facial features. At the time, she could not find any literature containing similar cases and eventually, the syndrome was named after her. However, there was a case reported in 1916, which was more focused on deformities in the extremities as opposed to drawing focus to the unique facial features of the person with CDLS—which is probably the reason Dr. Lange overlooked his findings. Arguably the most decisive way to detect CDLS is through its very distinct facial features: thin arched and connecting eyebrows, thick eyebrows, …show more content…

The only type of treatment that is available is based on the individual needs of the person with the disease. The following studies and services are recommended for most patients directly following a positive diagnosis of the disease: echocardiogram, kidney ultrasound, vision evaluation, hearing evaluation, upper GI series, endoscopy, GERD evaluation, developmental assessment every one to three years from infancy, early interventions as needed, growth assessment based on CDLS growth charts and support information for the parents and caregivers. In addition to these early services and treatments, there are other treatment options depending on the child’s age and individual needs. By 18 months a male child may need to be treated for cryptorchidism, child should begin speech and occupational therapy as soon as possible, dentistry, assessing for the potential of vomiting bile, behavioral assessment as well as routine audiology and ophthalmology …show more content…

CDLS results in physical, medical and mental issues that can be treated with early interventions but the syndrome itself cannot be cured or even prevented. Although there is genetic testing that can be preformed on a parent who may be at risk for having a child with CDLS, the syndrome’s appearance is usually sporadic and without cause. It is a very rare occurrence and 30-40% of the time; the specific gene that causes CDLS in a particular child can be a mystery. Microcephaly, cleft lip, low ears, a connecting and arched eyebrows, thick eyelashes, mild to severe intellectual disability, self-injurious behaviors, impaired hearing, impaired sight, undescended testicles, deformities in the extremities as well as GERD and GI issues are just some of the most quintessential markers of CDLS. Although there is no cure for the disease, with an early diagnosis and proper management and early intervention, the person with this syndrome can lead a long and happy

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