Kenny-Caffey Syndrome

Kenny-Caffey Syndrome

Overview

Kenny-Caffey Syndrome (KCS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by growth delays, distinctive facial features, skeletal abnormalities, and abnormal calcium levels. Two types exist: Type 1 (KCS1) and Type 2 (KCS2).

Key Points

  • First described by Kenny and Caffey in 1966
  • Characterized by:
    • Short stature
    • Cortical thickening of long bones
    • Hypocalcemia
    • Distinctive facial features
  • Two genetic types:
    • Type 1: Autosomal recessive (TBCE gene)
    • Type 2: Autosomal dominant (FAM111A gene)

Epidemiology

  • Extremely rare condition
  • Fewer than 100 reported cases worldwide
  • Higher prevalence in Middle Eastern populations
  • No gender predilection

Clinical Manifestations

Growth and Development

  • Prenatal growth retardation
  • Proportionate short stature
  • Growth hormone deficiency
  • Delayed bone age
  • Variable developmental delay

Craniofacial Features

  • Small, deep-set eyes
  • Microphthalmia
  • Prominent forehead
  • Thick eyebrows
  • Depressed nasal bridge
  • Micrognathia
  • Dental anomalies
    • Delayed tooth eruption
    • Enamel hypoplasia
    • Malformed teeth

Skeletal Manifestations

  • Cortical thickening of long bones
  • Medullary stenosis
  • Osteosclerosis
  • Short, thick long bones
  • Small hands and feet
  • Delayed fontanel closure

Endocrine Abnormalities

  • Hypoparathyroidism
    • Hypocalcemia
    • Hyperphosphatemia
    • Low PTH levels
  • Growth hormone deficiency (in some cases)

Other Features

  • Recurrent infections
  • Visual problems
  • Intellectual disability (variable)
  • Seizures (due to hypocalcemia)

Genetic Basis

Type 1 (KCS1)

  • TBCE gene mutations
    • Located on chromosome 1q42.3
    • Encodes tubulin-specific chaperone E
    • Autosomal recessive inheritance

Type 2 (KCS2)

  • FAM111A gene mutations
    • Located on chromosome 11q12.1
    • Encodes family with sequence similarity 111 member A
    • Autosomal dominant inheritance

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

  • Type 1: Generally more severe
  • Type 2: More variable expression
  • Ongoing research for specific correlations

Diagnostic Approach

Clinical Diagnosis

  • Based on characteristic features:
  • Growth parameters
  • Facial features
  • Skeletal findings
  • Calcium homeostasis abnormalities

Laboratory Studies

  • Calcium metabolism
    • Serum calcium
    • Serum phosphorus
    • Parathyroid hormone
    • Vitamin D levels
  • Growth hormone studies
  • Complete blood count
  • Immunological studies

Imaging Studies

  • Skeletal radiographs
  • Bone age assessment
  • Brain MRI
  • Ophthalmological imaging

Genetic Testing

  • TBCE gene sequencing
  • FAM111A gene sequencing
  • Family studies when appropriate

Treatment and Management

Multidisciplinary Care

  • Pediatric endocrinologist
  • Clinical geneticist
  • Orthopedic specialist
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Developmental specialist
  • Dental specialist

Specific Interventions

  • Calcium Homeostasis
    • Calcium supplementation
    • Vitamin D supplementation
    • Regular monitoring
    • Emergency protocols for hypocalcemia
  • Growth Management
    • Growth hormone therapy (if indicated)
    • Regular growth monitoring
    • Nutritional support
  • Skeletal Care
    • Orthopedic monitoring
    • Physical therapy
    • Prevention of fractures
  • Developmental Support
    • Early intervention
    • Educational support
    • Occupational therapy

Monitoring

  • Regular calcium monitoring
  • Growth assessment
  • Developmental evaluation
  • Vision screening
  • Dental care
  • Immunological status

Current Research

Active Areas of Investigation

  • Natural history studies
  • Genotype-phenotype correlations
  • Novel therapeutic approaches
  • Long-term outcomes

Current Clinical Trials

  • Registry studies
  • Treatment protocols
  • Quality of life studies


Further Reading
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