{"id":63290,"date":"2019-12-15T17:08:01","date_gmt":"2019-12-15T15:08:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/?p=63290"},"modified":"2022-04-12T17:37:36","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T15:37:36","slug":"what-is-fragile-x-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-fragile-x-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"What is fragile X syndrome?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fragile X syndrome<\/strong> is the most frequently occurring cause of learning disability. It affects twice as many boys as girls, and the symptoms in boys are usually more severe. It can cause developmental delays in children with other symptoms sometimes similar to autism, and difficulties with language, learning and social interaction as well as emotional and behavioural problems. There are often some physical characteristics associated with the condition but these are difficult to detect in a baby or young child and as a result, diagnosis is often delayed until problems become apparent.<\/p>\n

In this IVI blog article, we explain what causes fragile X syndrome<\/strong>, how it is diagnosed and treated and what help is available. We also explain how genetic testing has advanced in recent years to the extent that, under the right circumstances, this and other monogenic disorders can be detected before pregnancy.<\/p>\n

What causes fragile X syndrome?<\/h2>\n

Fragile X syndrome is a monogenic disorder, that is, one which results from a single faulty gene. Its location is on the X chromosome, of which girls have two and boys have one, with one Y chromosome. The precise gene which causes the condition is the FMR1 gene; it makes the FMR protein which is essential for normal brain development. In cases of fragile X, production of this protein is impaired or completely absent. This explains why symptoms are commonly more severe in boys, since their only X chromosome carries the faulty gene, whereas in girls, there is likely to be one X chromosome which is healthy.<\/p>\n

It is also possible for an individual to inherit the gene but not have any symptoms. These carriers can pass the gene on to their children. A woman has a 50% chance of passing on the gene to any of her children, whereas a man can only pass it on to his daughters.<\/p>\n

How is fragile X syndrome diagnosed?<\/h2>\n

In 1991, the discovery of the gene which causes the syndrome led to the development of DNA testing which is used to identify both carriers and affected individuals. Although there are frequently, though not always, physical characteristics such as a long, narrow face and prominent ears and jaws, these are not easily detectable at an early age. The average age at which diagnosis takes place for boys is 36 months, and for girls around 42 months.<\/p>\n

The diagnostic test is a DNA blood test called the FMR1 DNA test. In the UK, this test is carried out at genetic centres which are available to patients referred by a hospital specialist via their GP. The blood sample will probably be taken in a hospital and passed on to the genetic testing centre. The UK\u2019s Fragile X Society<\/a> offers advice on getting a diagnosis and a complete list of all the UK genetic centres. The NHS has also published advice about genetic testing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How is the condition treated and what help is available?<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, fragile X syndrome <\/strong>cannot be cured. However, various treatments and therapies can help a child to manage social and behavioural issues. These could include:<\/p>\n