What is Apert Syndrome?

Apert Syndrome is a condition involving distortions of the head and face and webbing of the hands and feet. Characteristics include:

• Skull - short from back to front, wide on the sides, and overly tall (craniosynostosis)

• Eyes - slightly side-spaced, bulging, the eyelids tilt downward abnormally at the sides

• Face - the mid-face has a sunken-in appearance, the upper jaw slopes backward, lower teeth project in front of the upper teeth

• Hands and feet - webbing and/or fusion including finger bones, toe bones, and joints of fingers and toes

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Why did this happen?

There is no link between anything the mother did or did not do while she was pregnant and the occurrence of Apert Syndrome. Doctors believe Apert Syndrome occurs when a gene mutates early in the pregnancy.

 

Will this happen to children I have in the future?

The chances of having another child with Apert Syndrome is almost non-existent if both parents are unaffected. If one parent has Apert Syndrome, there is a 50% chance that his/her children will have Apert Syndrome.

What kinds of problems could my child have?

In addition to the physical characteristics common to Apert Syndrome, your child may have the following problems:

• Cleft palate - about 30% of children with Apert Syndrome are affected

• Slower learning rates and abilities - about 50% of children with Apert Syndrome are affected; however, as the children grow older, they often catch up with others

• Vision problems caused by imbalance of the eye muscles

• Recurrent ear infections which can cause hearing loss

• Noisy breathing - the smaller nose and airway passages may make breathing difficult

• Hyperactive sweat glands may cause your child to sweat a lot, especially while sleeping

• Problems with acne are more likely, especially during puberty

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Will my child need surgery?

Depending on the severity of Apert Syndrome, your child may have some or all of the following surgeries:

• Total skull reshaping to correct the tower skull problems at three to four months of age

• Frontal-orbital advancement to increase space within the skull and the size of both orbits (the part of the skull with holds the eyeball) at three to four months of age

• Mid-facial advancement - usually prior to starting school

• Facial bi-partition to widen the upper jaw, derotate the orbits, and to narrow the upper face

• Osteotomy (cutting through the bone of the upper and lower jaw to correct further problems usually during the teen years

• Rhinoplasty - plastic surgery of the nose

• Genioplasty - plastic surgery of the chin or cheek

• Eyelid surgery to correct the abnormal downward tilt

• Separation of the fingers and/or toes

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How do I get help for my child?

Your child should be treated by a qualified craniofacial medical team at a craniofacial center. Currently, FACES has information on many of these teams. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the craniofacial teams.
Please Contact Us for details.

 

Am I alone?

No! There are many families and organizations who will be glad to talk with you and help you with information and support. Don't forget books, videos, and websites, especially Facebook groups. The listing below will get you started.

FACES: The National Craniofacial Association

We provide financial support for non-medical expenses to patients traveling to a craniofacial center for treatment. Eligibility is based on financial and medical need (Apply Here). Resources include newsletters, information about craniofacial conditions, and networking opportunities. Contact Us for more information.

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Office of Rare Diseases

The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

Excellent web site for finding information on a variety of craniofacial disorders, particularly very rare ones. Information specialists are available to answer your questions. Telephone operation is Monday - Friday, 12 pm to 6 pm Eastern Time. Email or fax requests for information will be answered within 5-10 working days. U.S. Mail requests will be answered within 5-10 working days. NOTE: The center does not give medical advice, provide treatment, or diagnose illness.
Phone: (888) 205-2311
Website: rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5833/apert-syndrome

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US National Library of Medicine

Your guide to understanding genetic conditions

Website: ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/apert-syndrome

Apert International, Inc.
Don & Cathie Sears
This web site on Apert Syndrome will give you directions to the on-line discussion network that is an excellent support resource!!. The Annual Apert Conference is usually held each year in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at the Crown Reef Resort. It is open to families who have been affected by Apert Syndrome or any other similar craniofacial difference. Registration is free, but families pay for travel costs, lodging, and food.
Phone: (803) 732-2372

Website: www.apert.org

Apert Owl
Apert OWL is committed to providing help to families, friends and medical professionals seeking information about Apert syndrome. More importantly, we want others to know that while a journey with Apert syndrome will most definitely be a challenging one, it can be a beautiful one as well.
Website: www.apertowl.org

National Health Law Program
Provides extensive information on health care law affecting families with children who have special health care needs.
Phone: (202) 289-7661
Website: www.healthlaw.org

Worldwide Apert Syndrome Map
A map showing where people with Apert Syndrome live. If you would like to add yourself, please do!
Website: https://www.diseasemaps.org/apert-syndrome/

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Additional Resources