Detailed Information on Nail Patella Syndrome

Nail-patella syndrome (NPS) is a genetic disorderIliac horns are very common in people with
that is also known as Iliac Horn Syndrome.nail-patella syndrome and are rarely, if ever, seen
Nail-patella syndrome is a connective tissue thatin people without this condition.Various skeletal
produces defects in the fingernails, knee caps, andsymptoms may occur. Other areas of the body
kidneys. It is caused by mutations in a genemay also be affected in nail-patella syndrome,
known as LIM Homeobox Transcription Factorparticularly the eyes and kidneys. Some people
1-Beta (LMX1B), located on the long arm ofdevelop kidney disease, which can progress to
chromosome 9. Nail abnormalities are seen inkidney failure. Kidney failure is the most dangerous
almost all individuals with nail-patella syndrome. Theconsequence of nail-patella syndrome. It occurs in
nails may be absent or underdeveloped andabout 30% of patients who have kidney
discolored, split, ridged, or pitted. The fingernailsinvolvement. Eye problems may be present and
are more likely to be affected than the toenails,vary from person to person. Nail-patella syndrome
and the thumbnails are usually the most severelyis associated with open angle glaucoma.
affected.Treatment is usually not necessary. Treatment,
In many people with this condition, the areas atwhen required, depends on each patient's specific
the base of the nails (lunulae) are triangular insteadsymptoms. Severe kidney disease is treated with
of the usual crescent shape. Some people withdialysis or a kidney transplant. Renal
this condition may not be capable to fully expandtransplantation has proven successful in patients
their arms or turn their palms up while keepingwith nail-patella syndrome (NPS) who develop
their elbows straight. The elbows may also beESRD. A wheelchair may be required if walking
angled outward (cubitus valgus) or have abnormalbecomes painful due to bone, tendon, ligament, or
webbing. Many individuals with nail-patellamuscle defects. Genetic counselling should be
syndrome have horn-like outgrowths of the iliacoffered to all individuals with NPS. Orthopedic
bones of the pelvis (iliac horns). These abnormalsurgery may be necessary for congenital clubfoot
projections may be felt through the skin, but theydeformity. Manipulation or surgery may be
do not cause any symptoms and are usuallyrequired to correct hip dislocation. Cataracts are
detected on a pelvic x-ray.also surgically treated.