Phocomelia Syndrome

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Phocomelia Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Roberts SC-Phocomelia Syndrome
Roberts Tetraphocomelia Syndrome
SC Phocomelia Syndrome
Pseudo-thalidomide Syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions

Fetal Effects of Thalidomide
Tetraphocomelia Syndrome

General Discussion

Phocomelia syndrome (PS) is a rare birth defect that causes severe birth defects, especially of the upper limbs. The bones of the arms, and in some cases other appendages, may be extremely shortened and even absent. The fingers of the hands may be fused. An extreme case results in the absence of the upper bones of both the arms and legs so that the hands and feet appear attached directly to the body. This is called tetraphocomelia.

This disorder, PS, may be genetically transmitted within families as an autosomal recessive trait or may be the result of spontaneous (sporadic) changes in the gene. Because the signs of the disorder so closely mimic those caused by the ingestion of thalidomide by pregnant women, the term "pseudo-thalidomide" is frequently used.

Resources

National Rehabilitation Information Center
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Tel: (301)459-5900
Fax: (301)459-4263
Tel: (800)346-2742
TDD: (301)495-5984
Email: naricinfo@heitechservices.com
Internet: http://www.naric.com

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.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

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: 3/31/2008
Copyright 1990, 1992, 1998, 2006 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: March 31, 2008

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