How to Identify Russell-Silver Syndrome

Russell-Silver Syndrome is a growth disorder in babies both before and after birth. Basically there are some problems related to the chromosomes that deal with growth. They are chromosome seven and 11. Russell-Silver Syndrome patients live full lives, but never reach a height above 4 foot 11 inches for boys and 4 foot 7 inches for girls. If you have cause for concern, read on to learn more about how to identify Russell-Silver Syndrome.

Things You'll Need

• List of symptoms
• Blood test

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Instructions

• 1

  See if your baby has been characterized as "failure to thrive." This means that your baby is not gaining weight fast enough. Your baby may have a normal head size making it look too big, but in reality just the rest of the baby is small.

• 2

  Look to see if your child has any of the following medical issues: poor appetite, low blood sugar and feeding issues. These are classic symptoms in small children. They low blood sugar is a result of the poor appetite and feeding issues. Sometimes a G-tube is needed.

• 3

  Check your child against the physical features of a Russell-Silver Syndrome child. Russell-Silver Syndrome children tend to have a triangular-shaped face. They also have prominent foreheads, narrow chins, a small jaw and down-turned corners of the mouth. The children may have uneven growths of their body parts as well as a curved fifth finger. Their digestive system may also not be normal which could be a cause of their poor appetite and feeding issues.

• 4

  Check for any delay in your child's development. Not all Russell-Silver Syndrome children have delayed development or learning disabilities, but it is common. Early Intervention can help tremendously with this condition. Early intervention is also important in working with infants. No age is to young to start.