de Lange Syndrome Treatment & Management
- Author: Krystyna H Chrzanowska, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD more...
Medical Care
A review of management and treatment for Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CDLS) has been published by FitzPatrick and Kline,[74] and management recommendations for older individuals have been reported.[35] Most comprehensive anticipatory guidance includes detailed clinical evaluation at the time of diagnosis, and assessment of different age groups until adulthood.[37]
The results of medical therapy are better in infants than in older children.
- Patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) require intensive medical therapy. Frequent use of antacids, histamine-2 blockers, and metoclopramide can be helpful.[75] Feeding by a nasogastric tube and by having the patient sit upright may be beneficial.
- Application of appropriate hearing aids is recommended in children with hearing deficits.
- Antiepileptic treatment may be required in a proportion of patients.
Surgical Care
- During anesthesia, special attention should be given to the risk of malignant hyperthermia because this complication has been reported in a few children with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CDLS).[76]
- Operative procedures, including Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement for feeding, may be necessary in patients with severe esophagitis and in those with worsening failure to thrive despite conservative intervention.
- Surgical repair may also be indispensable in patients with diaphragmatic hernia, cardiac defects, or severe skeletal deformities.
Consultations
- Patients may require various specialist consultations, depending on the clinical manifestations and the physical examination findings. Specialists may include the following:
- Gastroenterologist
- Cardiologist
- Pulmonologist
- Laryngologist/audiologist
- Ophthalmologist
- Neurologist
- Nephrologist/urologist
- Endocrinologist
- Genetic counseling provides families with information on the nature of the disease and the low risk of recurrence. Careful clinical examination of the parents for minor signs is recommended because autosomal dominant inheritance has been implicated in some families (see Deterrence/Prevention).
Activity
- In general, children with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CDLS) have difficulty accepting sudden changes in their daily routine and environment.
- Activities that stimulate the vestibular system, including swinging, bouncing, swimming, and horseback riding, are pleasurable to the patient.
- The use of sign language can help the patient to overcome frustration caused by expressive speech delay.
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