National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
It is possible that the main title of the report Achondrogenesis is not the name you expected.
Achondrogenesis is a group of rare skeletal dysplasias characterized by extreme shortening of the arms and legs in relation to the trunk abnormal development of ribs, vertebra and other skeletal abnormalities. The health problems associated with these conditions are life-threatening and most affected infants are stillborn or die shortly after birth due to respiratory failure. All types of achondrogenesis are genetic conditions; type IA and type IB, are autosomal recessive disorders, whereas achondrogenesis type II is an autosomal dominant disorder. All types of achondrogenesis are very severe skeletal dysplasias usually detected by prenatal ultrasound examination as early as week 14-17 of gestational age.
The term achondrogenesis was first used in the medical literature in 1952 by an Italian pathologist named Marco Fraccaro. Achondrogenesis is derived from Greek and means "not producing cartilage." Achondrogenesis belongs to group of skeletal dysplasias, (osteochondrodysplasias), a broad term for a group of disorders characterized by abnormal growth or development of cartilage and bone.
Achondrogenesis is characterized by premature birth, abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body (hydrops fetalis), and a head that may be abnormal in shape and less ossified. The head may look disproportionately large. In addition, affected individuals have extremely short limbs and ribs, short neck, vertebrae and other bones of the skeleton are not properly developed. In infants born with this disorder the abdomen is prominent. Other abnormalities are incomplete closure of the roof of the mouth (cleft palate), corneal clouding, and ear deformities. The disorder is life-threatening either before birth or shortly after birth usually due to underdeveloped thorax and small lungs.
Achondrogenesis type IA (Houston-Harris type) is characterized by varying facial abnormalities (flat face, protruding eyes and protruding tongue or only minor facial anomalies), short trunk and limbs, short beaded ribs and thin skull bones (deficient ossification of the skull). Bone formation is abnormal in the spine, pelvis and extremities, but the degree of the severity of skeletal involvement may be variable. However, small thorax leads to underdevelopment of lungs and death soon after birth.
Achondrogenesis type IB (Fraccaro type) is characterized by short trunk and limbs, narrow chest, and prominent abdomen. Affected infants may have a protrusion around the belly-button (umbilical hernia), or near the groin (inguinal hernia), and have short fingers and toes with feet turned inward. The face may be flat, the palate may be cleft and the neck is usually short. In some cases, the soft tissue of the neck may be abnormally thickened. Achondrogenesis type IB is sub-classified as a sulfation disorder, a small group of disorders associated with mutations in the gene SLC26A2. This group includes diastrophic dysplasia and recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, which are milder conditions. It is important to note that one diagnosis does not change to another while the baby is developing, even if the genetic changes are located in the same gene.
Achondrogenesis type II (Langer-Saldino type) is characterized by a narrow chest, abnormally small or short bones in the arms and/or legs, thin ribs, underdeveloped lungs, small chin and cleft palate. Bone formation is abnormal in the spine and pelvis. Abnormal accumulation of fluid may occur (hydrops fetalis) and the abdomen may be enlarged.
Each type of achondrogenesis is caused by a mutation in a specific gene. Genes provide instructions for creating proteins that play a critical role in many functions of the body. When a mutation of a gene occurs, the protein product may be faulty, inefficient, or absent. Depending upon the functions of the particular protein, this can affect many organ systems of the body.
The gene mutations that cause achondrogenesis type IA and type IB are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Recessive genetic disorders occur when an individual inherits two copies of an abnormal gene for the same trait, one from each parent. If an individual receives one normal gene and one gene for the disease, the person is a carrier for the disease but usually will not show symptoms. The risk for two carrier parents to have an affected child is 25% with each pregnancy. The risk to have a child who is a carrier like the parents is 50% with each pregnancy. The chance for a child to receive normal genes from both parents is 25%. The risk is the same for males and females.
All individuals carry several abnormal genes. Parents who are close relatives (consanguineous) have a higher chance than non-consanguineous parents to carry the same abnormal gene, which increases the risk to have children with a rare recessive genetic disorder.
Achondrogenesis type IA is caused by mutations in the TRIP11 gene. Achondrogenesis type IB is caused by mutations in the SLC26A2 gene. These two genes are required for the efficient cellular transport of certain cartilage proteins needed to build skeleton and other tissues. Mutations of the TRIP11 gene results in deficiency of the Golgi microtubule associated protein 210. This protein is found in most cell types of the body. The protein product of the SLC26A2 gene is a sulfate transporter that is involved in the proper development and function of cartilage. Cartilage is the specialized tissue that serves as a buffer or cushion at joints. Most of the skeleton of an embryo consists of cartilage, which is slowly converted into bone.
The gene mutation that causes achondrogenesis type II is caused by so called autosomal dominant change in the COL2A1 gene. Dominant genetic disorders occur when only a single copy of an abnormal gene is necessary to cause a particular disease. Most cases of achondrogenesis type II are caused by a new (de novo) mutation in the COL2A1 gene, which means that risk for the parents of an affected infant to get another child with the same disease is not higher then 1%. This gene encodes collagen type II. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and a major building block of connective tissue, which is the material between cells of the body that gives the tissue form and strength. There are many different types of collagen, which are indicated by Roman numerals. Collagen type II is most prevalent in cartilage and the jelly-like fluid that fills the center of the eye (vitreous). Collagen is also found in bone.
There are very rare cases where siblings of infants with achondrogenesis type II have been affected. This is most likely due to the presence of more than one cell line in the egg or sperm from a parent (germline mosaicism). In germline mosaicism, some of a parent's reproductive cells (germ cells) carry the COL2A1 gene mutation, while other germ cells contain normal COL2A1 genes ("mosaicism"). The other cells in the parent's body do not have the mutation, so these parents are unaffected. As a result, one or more of the parent's children may inherit the germ cell gene COL2A1 mutation, leading to the development of achondrogenesis II, while the parent does not have this disorder (asymptomatic carrier). Germline mosaicism may be suspected when apparently unaffected parents have more than one child with the same autosomal dominant genetic condition. The likelihood of a parent passing on a mosaic germline mutation to a child depends upon the percentage of the parent's germ cells that have the mutation versus the percentage that do not. There is no test for germline mutation prior to pregnancy. Testing during a pregnancy may be available and is best discussed directly with a genetic specialist.
Achondrogenesis affect males and females in equal numbers. The prevalence of achondrogenesis type IA and type IB is unknown. Achondrogenesis type II occurs in approximately 1/40,000-1/60,000 newborns.
Skeletal dysplasias (osteochondrodysplasias) are a general term for a group of disorders characterized by abnormal growth or development or cartilage and bone. Some forms cause life-threatening complications shortly after birth, while others are only may or may not cause life-threatening complications. Some forms do not cause life-threatening complications early in life. Skeletal dysplasias can be associated with short-limbed short stature or with more proportional shortening of the trunk and limbs. Various additional abnormalities may be present depending upon the specific disorder. There are approximately 500 types of skeletal dysplasias with more then 300 causative genes. Several forms are discussed below.
Kniest dysplasia is one of several forms of skeletal dysplasias that are caused by a change (mutation) in the COL2A1 gene. This gene is involved in the production of a particular protein that forms collagen type II, which is essential for the normal development of bones and other connective tissue. Changes in the composition of collagen type II lead to abnormal skeletal growth and, thus, to a variety of congenital skeletal diseases known as skeletal dysplasias. Some of the signs and symptoms of Kniest dysplasia, such as short stature, enlarged knees, and cleft palate, are usually present at birth. Other symptoms develop with age. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Kniest" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)
Campomelic syndrome is a rare congenital disorder in which multiple anomalies are present. It is characterized by bowing and angular shape of the long bones of the legs, especially the tibiae; multiple minor anomalies of the face; cleft palate; other skeletal anomalies such as abnormalities of the shoulder and pelvic area and eleven pairs of ribs instead of the usual twelve; underdevelopment of the trachea; developmental delay in some cases and incomplete development of genitalia in males such that they appear to be females. (For more information on this disorder, choose "campomelic" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)
Hypophosphatasia is an inborn metabolic disorder of the bones characterized by skeletal defects resembling those of rickets. The symptoms result from a failure of bone mineral to be deposited in young, uncalcified bone (osteoid), and in the cartilage at the end of the long bones (epiphyses) during early years. The activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase in blood serum and bone cells is lower than normal. Urinary excretion and blood plasma concentrations of phosphoethanolamine and inorganic pyrophosphate are abnormally high. Unlike other forms of rickets, Hypophosphatasia does not respond to treatment with vitamin D. (For more information on this disorder, choose "hypophosphatasia" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)
Thanatophoric dysplasia is one of the most common forms of lethal skeletal dysplasias. It is characterized by an enlarged head, short and eventually bowed bones in the arms and legs, small, short ribs, narrow thorax and flattened vertebrae. There is an abnormally large amount of amniotic fluid.
Short-rib-polydactyly syndrome includes several types of skeletal dysplasias. The infant may have cleft lip and palate, deformed ears, and a narrow chest with short ribs. The kidneys are often deformed (cystic), as are the sex organs. There may be brain malformations and an absence of a gallbladder. This disorder is often life-threatening as a result of insufficient lung development.
Achondrogenesis is diagnosed by physical features, X-ray (radiographic) findings and examination of tissue samples under a microscope (histology). Biochemical tests and molecular genetic tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Prenatal diagnosis of achondrogenesis by ultrasound is possible after 14-15 weeks gestation. Prenatal diagnosis by chorionic villus sampling (10-12 weeks gestation) or amniocentesis (15-18 weeks gestation) is possible if the specific gene mutations have been identified in a family member.
Treatment of achondrogenesis is symptomatic and supportive and involves palliative care, in which physicians attempt to reduce or minimize pain, stress and specific symptoms associated with the disorder. Genetic counseling is recommended for families with an affected child. Psychosocial support for the entire family is essential as well.
Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. Government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.
For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:
Toll-free: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
For more information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/
Benacerraf BR. Ultrasound of Fetal Syndromes, 2nd Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone. 2008: Pp. 253-256.
Spranger JW, Brill PW, and Poznanski AK. Bone Dysplasias: An Atlas of Genetic Disorders of Skeletal Development, 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2002.
Grigelioniene G, Geiberger S, Papadogiannakis N, et al. The phenotype range of achondrogenesis 1A. Am J Med Genet. 2013;161:2554-2558. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23956106
Smits P, Bolton AD, Funari V, et al. Lethal skeletal dysplasia in mice and humans lacking the Golgi GMAP-210. N Engl J Med. 2010;362:206-216. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3108191/
Warman ML, Cormier-Daire V, Hall C, et al. Nosology and classification of genetic skeletal disorders: 2010 revision. Am J Med Genet. 2011;155:943-968. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166781/
Comstock JM, Putnam AR, Sangle N, Lowichik A, Rose NC, Opitz JM. Recurrence of achondrogenesis type 2 in sibs: Additional evidence for germline mosaicism. Am J Med Genet. 2010;152(A):1822-1824. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20583175
Aigner T, Niederhagen M, Zaucke F, et al. Achondrogenesis type IA (Houston-Harris): a still-unresolved molecular phenotype. Pediatr Dev Pathol. 2007;10(4):328-334.
Kapur RP. Achondrogenesis. Pediatr Dev Pathol. 2007;10(4);253-255.
Rossi A, Superti-Furga A. Mutations in the diastrophic dysplasia sulfate transporter (DTDST) gene (SLC26A2): 22 novel mutations, mutation review, associated skeletal phenotypes, and diagnostic relevance. Hum Mutat. 2001:18(1):82. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11241838
Superti-Furga A, Bonafe L, and Rimoin DL. Molecular-pathogenetic classification of genetic disorders of the skeleton. Am J Med Genet. 2001;106:282-293.
Korkko J, Cohn DH, Ala-Kokko L, et al. Widely distributed mutations in the COL2A1 gene produce achondrogenesis type II/hypochondrogenesis. Am J Med Genet. 2000;92(2):95-100. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10797431
Superti-Furga A, Hastbacka J, Wilcox WR, et al. Achondrogenesis type IB is caused by mutations in the diastrophic dysplasia sulphate transporter gene. Nat Genet. 1996;12:100-102. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8528239
Superti-Furga A. Achondrogenesis type 1B. J Med Genet. 1996;33:957-961. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8950678
Chen H. Achondrogenesis. Emedicine Journal, June 26, 2013. Available at: //emedicine.medscape.com/article/941176-overview Accessed on: December 27, 2013.
Bonafe L, Crettol LM, Ballhausen D, and Superti-Furga A. (Updated 11/14/13). Achondrogenesis Type 1b. In: GeneReviews at Gentests: Medical Genetics Information Resource (database online). Copyright, University of Washington, Seattle. 1997-2009. Available at //www.genetests.org. Accessed on: December 27, 2013.
McKusick VA, ed. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM); //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=200600, Last Update:11/10/10, Accessed on: December 27. 2013; //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=600972, Last Update:1/25/10, Accessed on: December 27, 2013; //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=200610, Last Updated:3/8/11. Accessed on: December 27, 2013.
Compassionate Friends - Supporting Family After A Child Dies
- 1000 Jorie Blvd.
- Suite 140
- Oak Brook, IL 60523
- Tel: (630)990-0010
- Fax: (630)990-0246
- Tel: (877)969-0010
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
- Website: //www.compassionatefriends.org
European Skeletal Dysplasia Network
- Institute of Genetic Medicine
- Newcastle University
- Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ
- United Kingdom
- Tel: 441612755642
- Fax: 441612755082
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: //www.esdn.org
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: //rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
Human Growth Foundation
- 997 Glen Cove Avenue
- Suite 5
- Glen Head, NY 11545
- Tel: (516)671-4041
- Fax: (516)671-4055
- Tel: (800)451-6434
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
- Website: //www.hgfound.org/
Little People of America, Inc.
- 250 El Camino Real Suite 201
- Tustin, CA 92780
- Tel: (714)368-3689
- Fax: (714)368-3367
- Tel: (888)572-2001
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: //www.lpaonline.org/
- 6645 W. North Avenue
- Oak Park, IL 60302
- Tel: (708)383-0808
- Fax: (708)383-0899
- Tel: (800)362-4423
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
- Website: //www.magicfoundation.org
Restricted Growth Association
- PO Box 5137
- Yeovil, BA20 9FF
- United Kingdom
- Tel: 3001111970
- Fax: 3001112454
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: //www.restrictedgrowth.co.uk
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.® (NORD). Cigna members can access the complete report by logging into myCigna.com. For non-Cigna members, 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.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please visit the National Organization for Rare Disorders web site at www.rarediseases.org
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
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.
Last Updated: 5/7/2014
Copyright 2014 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.