What is Coffin-Siris syndrome?

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Last updated: May 5, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Coffin Siris syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that requires a multidisciplinary approach to manage its associated symptoms, including developmental delays, intellectual disability, and seizures, with a focus on improving quality of life through early intervention and regular monitoring by specialists 1.

Key Characteristics

  • Developmental delays and intellectual disability
  • Distinctive facial features and abnormalities of the fifth fingers or toes
  • Associated conditions such as seizures, cardiac defects, feeding difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues

Management

  • Multidisciplinary approach to address developmental delays and associated conditions
  • Developmental therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy
  • Medical management of associated conditions, including seizures (using anticonvulsants like levetiracetam or valproic acid)
  • Regular monitoring by specialists, including neurologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, and orthopedic surgeons

Genetic Counseling

  • Recommended for affected families to understand inheritance patterns
  • Most cases occur due to de novo mutations, but can occasionally be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner

Recent Findings

  • A study published in 2023 found that 7.2% of patients with Coffin Siris syndrome reported having seizures, with a median age of seizure onset of 2.7 years 1
  • Another study published in 2021 found that patients with ARID1B-related Coffin Siris syndrome often have focal epilepsy with seizures arising from motor areas, with onset in the first years of life and susceptibility to fever 2

Recommendations

  • Early intervention is crucial to maximize developmental potential and improve quality of life for individuals with Coffin Siris syndrome
  • Regular monitoring and management of associated conditions can help improve outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality 3, 4, 5

References

Research

Epilepsy features in ARID1B-related Coffin-Siris syndrome.

Epileptic disorders : international epilepsy journal with videotape, 2021

Research

Clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and management of Coffin-Siris syndrome.

American journal of medical genetics. Part C, Seminars in medical genetics, 2014

Research

Coffin-Siris syndrome and epilepsy.

Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, 2021

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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