title: Gastrointestinal complications of Russell-Silver syndrome: a pilot study.
abstract: Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS) is a genetic syndrome with clinical manifestations of intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, normal head circumference, body asymmetry, and distinctive facial appearance. We followed an infant diagnosed with RSS who had occurrence of multiple gastrointestinal complications. Although there are a number of published reports describing gastrointestinal problems associated with RSS, specific gastrointestinal diseases have not been recognized as major features. We hypothesize that gastrointestinal complications may be more frequent in RSS cases than previously reported. To address our hypothesis, we developed a pilot study of RSS cases to identify and characterize associated gastrointestinal complications. Surveys were distributed by MAGIC, a support group for individuals with RSS. Surveys included information on the objective and subjective characteristics used to diagnose RSS, as well as descriptions of gastrointestinal problems. Completed surveys were returned on 135 individuals. We used strict diagnostic guidelines to determine affected status of children reported in our survey. Of the 135 surveys completed, 65 were determined to have clear-cut RSS. The diagnoses were made without knowledge of the gastrointestinal symptoms of any of the subjects. Of the 65 subjects with "clear cut" RSS, 50 (77%) had gastrointestinal symptoms. Major specific symptoms included gastroesophageal reflux disease (34%), esophagitis (25%), food aversion (32%), and failure to thrive (63%). A common theme in gastrointestinal complications of RSS is significant gastroesophageal reflux that includes esophagitis and food aversion. Results of this survey suggest that there is an association of gastrointestinal complications with RSS that should be addressed in diagnosis as well as management protocols for children with this condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Durham, North Carolina 27713, USA. jeffery-anderson@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Viskochil
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Gorman
authors.forename: Chad
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gonzales
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000235:genetics*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D013577:Syndrome