Fragile X syndrome in males is usually more severe than in females and males are never asymptomatic. This is because males have only one X chromosome (unlike females that have 2 “X” chromosomes) and therefore any defect on the X chromosome is likely to be displayed. Females tend to have fewer and milder abnormalities than males. This is because they inherit two X chromosomes, one of which is inactivated randomly in each cell.

Common symptoms include:

• Behavior – Characterized by autism spectrum behaviors such as attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, expressive delay, tactile defensiveness, repetition of words and phrases, echolalia (parrot like repetition of a word or phrase that has just been spoken by another person), social anxiety and avoidance of eye contact.
• Cognitive – Males with full mutation have moderate to severe mental impairment. Difficulty comprehending abstract ideas, organization of information, planning ahead and with problem-solving skills. 
• Health problems – Seizures occur in 10 to 20% of males with Fragile X syndrome. Most are simple or complex partial seizures. The seizures often spontaneously remit during childhood and occur less frequently in women.
• Appearance/physical characteristics – Some boys have a soft, broad forehead compared to children of their own age. Physical characteristics become more obvious during the teenage years. For example, the characteristic elongated face becomes more obvious during teenage years. During puberty, boys often have macroorchidism, flat feet, hyper flexible joints, mitral valve prolapse. Girls that have fragile X syndrome often experience premature ovarian failure (early menopause). Both boys and girls may develop a tremor which can appear like Parkinson’s disease.

Diagnosis for fragile X syndrome is based on molecular genetic analysis that measures the length of the CGG repeats in the FMR-1 region. This test can be performed from a blood sample and/or (in a fetus), through amniotic fluid testing.

The goal of treatment is to minimize the symptoms resulting from fragile X syndrome. Management of children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome is individualized according the degree and type of child’s cognitive and behavioral symptoms, strengths and weaknesses.

Genetic counseling should be offered to families of individuals with fragile X syndrome, since this may be an inherited disorder.

Children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome have special educational and behavioral needs and should be referred to counselors and speech therapists for help with coping and minimizing the associated problems.

Medications may be used to alleviate symptoms such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, mood instability, depression and/or seizures.

Life span is generally unaffected by the disorder.

A mutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene on the X chromosome causes the clinical features of the fragile X syndrome. 

Both genders can be affected; it occurs more commonly in males (1 in 3600 males compared to 1 in 4000-6000 females).

The pathophysiology of Fragile X Syndrome involves the lack of the FMRP protein, which plays a critical role in synaptic function and plasticity. This protein is involved in regulating the production of other proteins at synapses, the connections between neurons. Its absence disrupts normal synaptic development and function, leading to the cognitive and behavioral symptoms observed in affected individuals.

There is no guideline for the prevention of fragile X syndrome.

Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. It is a result of expansion of a repetition of a set of genes (the segment CGG) of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR-1) gene, which leads to defective transcription and loss of the FMR-1 gene. 

Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that a person is born with. It is a result of a defect of a part of the “X” chromosome. Fragile X syndrome causes learning and behavior problems, as well as abnormal body features. It occurs more commonly in boys than girls. The cause is unknown; it may be inherited or a result of unexpected damage to the X chromosome.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms that commonly occur in persons with Fragile X include:

• Larger than normal head
• Crossed eyes
• Large ears and “sunken in” eyes
• Flat feet
• Testicles that are larger than normal in male teenagers and adults. 
• Learning and behavior problems such as:
• Difficulty performing problem solving and tasks that involve organization
• Difficulty with language and speaking
• Trouble sitting still, paying attention
• Feel anxious, worried or sad often
• Medical problems, such as:
• Seizures
• Tremor (shaking of the hands)

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through a family history screening during which your doctor will ask if any member of your family has had symptoms seen in patients with fragile X syndrome. Then a blood test will be performed that will determine if a person has problems with their X chromosome.

What is the treatment?

Currently there is no cure for fragile X syndrome. Treatment centers around controlling a person’s symptoms. For example, a children’s teacher can help develop a special learning plan, behavior counselors and speech therapists can work with a child to help improve language and behavior problems, certain medications may be prescribed to help a child pay attention.

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