Definition

The microdeletion in the 4p16.3 region spans the 'Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome critical region' and the WHSC1 (NSD2) gene located there; it presents with the characteristic 'Greek warrior helmet' facial appearance, severe growth and developmental delay, intellectual disability, and seizures. Its incidence is approximately 1/50,000 births.

Method

FISH analysis

Accepted sample types

Amniotic fluid, Chorionic villus, Cord blood

Inheritance

Approximately 85-90% of cases are de novo; the remainder result from a balanced translocation in a parent.

Related Tests

Inheritance Patterns

Describes how a genetic condition is passed on within a family. There are five main patterns

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Carrier (Heterozygous / Homozygous)

Why it matters: In autosomal recessive inheritance, when each parent is a carrier (while both appear healthy), the chance of their child being born with the disease is 25% in each

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VUS (Variant of Uncertain Significance)

This is the situation where the test has detected a change in the DNA, but the role of this change in the development of disease is unconfirmed.

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How to Read a Genetic Test Result (Positive / Negative / VUS)

A genetic test result falls into three main categories

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Types of Genetic Tests

A genetic test is a type of medical test that detects changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. Today there are more than 77,000 genetic tests available.

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