Simpson-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome – Definition

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS, OMIM #312870) is an X-linked macrosomia syndrome associated with malformations, reduced intelligence, and an increased risk of developing tumors.

Synonym:

Genes:

GPC3 and GPC4 (not all genes known yet)

Gene ­products:

Glypican-3 (GPC3) and Glypican-4 (GPC4)

Function:

GPC3 and GPC4 are cell-surface-bound proteoglycans

Pattern of inheritance:

X-chromosomal

Prevalence:

Rare

Genotype-phenotype correlation:

Involved are loss-of-function mutations without a known correlation.

Penetrance:

Presumably complete in male mutation carriers. Rarely, female mutation carriers may also be affected.

Overview of the Chapters on This Page:

  • Clinical Presentation

  • Special Features of Treatment

  • Recommendations for Early Detection in Your Patients
  • Further Information (e.g., Links to Support Groups)

  • Clinical Presentation

  • Special Features of Treatment

  • Recommendations for Early Detection in Your Patients
  • Further Information (e.g., Links to Support Groups)

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome – Diagnosis

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made clinically and can be confirmed with a mutation analysis in patients with a defect in a known gene. Not all SGBS genes are known, so genetic confirmation is not always possible.

Differential Diagnoses

Clinical Presentation

SGBS is characterized by pre- and postnatal macrosomia, typical craniofacial changes (with macrocephaly, coarse facial features, macrostomia, macroglossia, palatal anomalies), and often mild to severe intellectual impairment with or without structural brain changes. Other variable characteristics include a supernumerary nipple, rectus diastasis/umbilical hernia, diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart defects, urogenital malformations, and gastrointestinal (GI) anomalies. Skeletal anomalies (vertebral fusion, scoliosis, rib anomalies, hip dysplasia) and hand anomalies (large hands and post-axial polydactyly) may also be present.

The following tumors have been described in patients with SGBS: Wilms tumors and nephroblastomatosis, liver tumors, and neuroblastoma. One child with SGBS and medulloblastoma was described.

Special Features of Treatment

Complex, multi-professional. There are no known special features for cancer treatment.

Diagnosis of Simpson-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome- What's Next?

Once diagnosed, it is recommended that a cancer predisposition specialist manage the patient. The following section explains whether cancer screening tests or other measures are necessary and how they should be performed. Some additional information, including links to support groups, is also included at the end of this page.

Diagnosis of Simpson-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome- What's Next?

Once diagnosed, it is recommended that a cancer predisposition specialist manage the patient. The following section explains whether cancer screening tests or other measures are necessary and how they should be performed. Some additional information, including links to support groups, is also included at the end of this page.

Recommendations for Early Detection in Your Patients

  • Early detection of a Wilms tumor with ultrasound, every 3 months until the age of 7
  • Early detection of hepatoblastoma with AFP and an abdominal ultrasound, every 3 months until age 4

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome – Further Information

Open Clinical Trials/ Registries

Further Information

Unfortunately, we are currently not aware of any support groups for patients with Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome. New information will be added as soon as it becomes available.