22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a rare disease that babies can have at birth. It is linked to groups of syndromes. The most common types are DiGeorge syndrome and velocardiofacial syndrome
22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by missing genes in chromosome 22q11.2.
Your risk is raised if you have other people in your family with this syndrome.
Symptoms are from problems caused by 22q11.2 deletion. The lost genes result in a spectrum of problems in almost any part of the body.
Your child may have:
Symptoms differ among children.
Your child's doctor may suspect 22q11.2 deletion syndrome if your child has certain features or health issues.
Your child may have:
The goal of treatment is to manage health problems. There are many treatments that will be tailored to your child's needs. You will be referred someone who is an expert in treating the health problems your child has.
The earlier treatment starts, the better the outcomes. Your child may have:
Heart defects can cause problems with how your child grows and develops.
Certain heart problems may need to be surgically repaired. This repair is often done in the first year of life. Other heart problems will need to be watched throughout your child's life.
One or more surgeries may be needed to repair a cleft palate. Your child may also work with a speech therapist. This will help your child with feedings and speech delays.
Some problems with the immune system can be severe. They may need to be treated right away.
If the thymus is missing, a thymic tissue transplant may be done. However, there are certain risks. The risks will be weighed against the benefits.
Other steps involve watching the immune system and treating infections.
Calcium and vitamin D pills can help to increase calcium in the blood. A low phosphorous diet will also help.
A variety of therapies may help:
22q11.2 deletion syndrome can’t be prevented.
Immune Deficiency Foundation
National Center for Biotechnology Information
Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors
Health Canada
22q11.2 deletion syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115146/22q11-...eletion-syndrome. Updated March 17, 2017. Accessed July 3, 2018.
22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Genetics Home Reference website. Available at: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/22q112-deletion-syndrome. Updated July 2013. Accessed July 3, 2018.
22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Stanford Children's Health website. Available at: http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=22q112-deletion-syndrome-90-P01682. Accessed July 3, 2018.
McDonald-McGinn DM, Emanuel BS, et al. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. 1999 Sep 23 [Updated 2013 Feb 28]. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2018. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1523. Accessed July 3, 2018.
What is 22q11.2 deletion syndrome? Nationwide Children's website. Available at: http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/22q-signs-and-symptoms. Accessed July 3, 2018.
Last reviewed June 2018 by Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.