Aase syndrome
Aase-Smith syndrome; Hypoplastic anemia - triphalangeal thumbs, Aase-Smith type; Diamond-Blackfan with AS-II
Aase syndrome is a rare disorder that involves anemia and certain joint and skeletal deformities.
Causes
Many cases of Aase syndrome occur without a known reason and are not passed down through families (inherited). However, some cases (45%) have been shown to be inherited. These are due to a change in 1 of 20 genes important for making protein correctly (the genes make ribosomal proteins).
This condition is similar to Diamond-Blackfan anemia, and the two conditions should considered the same. A missing piece on chromosome 19 is found in some people with Diamond-Blackfan anemia.
The anemia in Aase syndrome is caused by poor development of the bone marrow, which is where blood cells are formed.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Absent or small knuckles
- Cleft palate
- Deformed ears
- Droopy eyelids
- Inability to fully extend the joints from birth
- Narrow shoulders
- Pale skin
- Triple-jointed thumbs
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:
Treatment
Treatment may involve blood transfusions in the first year of life to treat anemia.
A steroid medicine called prednisone has also been used to treat anemia associated with Aase syndrome. However, it should only be used after reviewing the benefits and risks with a provider who has experience treating anemias.
A bone marrow transplant may be necessary if other treatment fails.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The anemia tends to improve with age.
Possible Complications
Complications related to anemia include:
- Fatigue
- Decreased oxygen in the blood
- Weakness
Heart problems can lead to a variety of complications, depending on the specific defect.
Severe cases of Aase syndrome have been associated with stillbirth or early death.
Prevention
Genetic counseling is recommended if you have a family history of this syndrome and wish to become pregnant.
References
Clinton C, Gazda HT, Pagon RA, et al. Diamond-Blackfan anemia. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al, eds. GeneReviews [Internet]. Seattle, WA: University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2022. PMID: 20301769 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20301769/. Updated June 17, 2021. Accessed November 3, 2021.
Gallagher PG. The neonatal erythrocyte and its disorders. In: Orkin SH, Fisher DE, Ginsburg D, Look AT, Lux SE, Nathan DG, eds. Nathan and Oski's Hematology and Oncology of Infancy and Childhood. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 2.
Thornburg CD. Congenital hypoplastic anemia (Diamond-Blackfan anemia). In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 475.
Review Date: 7/30/2021
Reviewed By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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