Wolf
Wolf (medical term)
Wolf (pronounced: /wʊlf/), in the medical context, is often used to refer to a rare genetic disorder known as Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS).
Etymology
The term 'Wolf' in this context is derived from the names of the two geneticists, Dr. Kurt Hirschhorn and Dr. Herbert L. Cooper, who first identified the syndrome in 1961. The syndrome was later named after them and another geneticist, Dr. Ulrich Wolf, who independently discovered the same syndrome.
Definition
Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is a condition that affects many parts of the body. The major features of this disorder include a distinctive facial appearance, delayed growth and development, intellectual disability, and seizures.
Symptoms
People with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome often have a characteristic facial appearance that includes a broad, flat nasal bridge and high forehead, widely spaced eyes (hypertelorism), short stature, and a small head size (microcephaly).
Causes
Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is caused by a deletion of genetic material near the end of the short (p) arm of chromosome 4. This chromosomal change is sometimes written as 4p-.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is based on clinical features, including the distinctive facial appearance, as well as genetic testing to identify the characteristic deletion of genetic material on chromosome 4.
Treatment
Treatment of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is symptomatic and supportive, focusing on the specific symptoms in each individual. This may include physical therapy, special education, and medications to control seizures.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wolf
- Wikipedia's article - Wolf
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