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Nail Patella Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Last Updated: Jan 20, 2025

What is Nail Patella Syndrome?

Also known by the name of Fong syndrome or hereditary osteo-onycho-dysplasia (HOOD), Nail Patella Syndrome is a rare form of genetic mutation. The medical condition mainly affects the nature of human nails, joints, nervous system, and kidneys. It has adverse effects on the patient’s joints throughout the body, making them fragile and vulnerable to multiple complications like fracture, scoliosis, preeclampsia, glaucoma, impaired sensation, and renal complications.

The disease develops at the early embryonic stage which means the symptoms of Nail Patella Syndrome can be seen at the time of birth itself.

Summary: Nail Patella Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the natural structure of human nails, joints, nervous system, and kidneys.

What are the symptoms of Nail Patella Syndrome?

Nail Patella Syndrome symptoms are both external and internal in nature. While one can see the abnormal development of fingers and toenails in the infant. Other forms of signs associated with joints, bones, kidneys, and nervous systems need a medical examination to confirm. Here are some common signs amongst Nail Patella Syndrome patients:

  • Absent fingernails
  • Nail Discoloration
  • Unusually small fingernails
  • Longitudinal splitting of the nail
  • Thin nails
  • Triangular-shaped lunula
  • Disfigured small toenail
  • Small or irregularly shaped patella
  • Patellar dislocations
  • Protrusions from bones in and around the knee
  • Knee displacement
  • Limited range of motion in the elbow
  • Arthrodysplasia of the elbow
  • Dislocation of the elbows
  • Hyperextension of the joints
  • Bilateral, conical, bony protrusions of the pelvis
  • Back pain
  • Tight Achilles tendon
  • Lower muscle mass
  • Kidney problems
  • Eye problems like glaucoma
Summary: Symptoms of Nail Patella Syndrome are both external and internal in their nature of existence. They are mostly concentrated on the kidney, joints, nails, and neural development of the infant.

What causes Nail Patella Syndrome?

A genetic mutation in the LMX1B gene is the cause of the disorder. Many biological activities are controlled by this gene. The mutation of this gene results in a variety of odd behaviors in the human body.

Furthermore, such a mutation is autosomal dominant in nature. This means that it just requires one active/inactive aberrant genetic imprint from each biological parent. Even if the active version of the genetic imprint is not present in the parents, the descendants have a 50-50 chance of inheriting it.

Summary: The development of Nail Patella Syndrome in a person is caused by a mutation in the LMX1B gene. Such a mutation is autosomal dominant in nature.

How Nail Patella Syndrome is diagnosed?

Nail Patella Syndrome has an exterior and interior origin. Some symptoms may be seen on the surface without any medical diagnoses, while others require the assistance of medical technology to detect. Your medical professional will begin by doing a physical examination, followed by a discussion of your medical history and family history.

A genetic testing registry is included in the second phase of the diagnostic, which aids the doctor in detecting the presence of a mutation in the LMX1B gene. In addition, your doctor must assess your situation.

Summary: The condition is identified by carefully reviewing a person's medical history as well as their family history. For this, one must seek the advice of a professional who is capable of detecting the condition early on.
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How to prevent Nail Patella Syndrome?

Although genetic illnesses cannot be avoided, they can be managed to some extent. Seek the advice of a medical professional who can quickly identify the problem and recommend the best treatment options to lessen the disease's impact.

Summary: Nail Patella Syndrome is hard to prevent in a person. This is due to the disease's hereditary makeup, which renders it impossible to cure or prevent.

What to do when Nail Patella Syndrome?

There are a variety of therapeutic therapies available to help you overcome your problems. Medication, counselling, and other therapies may be used to eliminate the discomfort and suffering. Consult your doctor if you experience one or more of the symptoms associated with Nail Patella Syndrome.

Summary: Consult your doctor as soon as the child/infant is diagnosed with Nail Patella Syndrome.

Can Nail Patella Syndrome go away on its own?

Nail Patella Syndrome is a disease that does not go away on its own. If not treated promptly, it can result in a life-threatening condition.

Summary: Nail Patella Syndrome does not go away on its own as it is a genetic disorder.

How Nail Patella Syndrome is treated?

Treatment of genetic illnesses such as Nail Patella Syndrome necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to address mutations in many sections of the body. Many surgical and non-surgical treatments will be used in the treatment plan. Surgical procedures are performed to strengthen the bones and joints that are weak. The harmful consequences of the genetic disease on the body and neurological system are managed with medications and therapy.

Summary: A variety of surgical and non-surgical techniques are used to treat Nail Patella Syndrome.

What to eat in Nail Patella Syndrome?

Following a specific eating plan will not prevent genetic illness. Make an informed decision when eating. As directed by your physician, try to incorporate the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into your diet.

Summary: No specific diet can enhance the treatment process of Nail Patella Syndrome.

What not to eat in Nail Patella Syndrome?

Nail Patella Syndrome does not require a separate diet plan. However, you should check with your doctor to determine if any foods should be avoided throughout your treatment.

Summary: No specific diet can enhance the treatment process of Nail Patella Syndrome.

What are side-effects of Nail Patella Syndrome treatments?

The therapy's adverse effects may vary depending on the medication your doctor prescribed as well as the treatment your doctor is implementing to treat your medical condition. Because the consequences of the condition are so varied, the medication's efficacy can be fairly great, making it seem overwhelming at times.

Summary: It is impossible to provide a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Because drugs for genetic mutations are provided to reduce or manage the disease's harm, this is the case.

Should I go to urgent care for Nail Patella Syndrome?

Yes, it is critical to get medical attention as soon as possible in order to determine what is causing the symptoms and to ensure early discovery and treatment. If not regulated or treated in a timely manner, it can result in a serious life crisis, as well as irreversible bodily harm or even death.

Summary: Yes, if the surface symptoms match, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for early identification and treatment.

How long does it take to recover from Nail Patella Syndrome?

Because there is no treatment for Nail Patella Syndrome, there is no way to completely cure an individual. This is due to the disease's hereditary origin, making it hard to reverse.

Summary: There is no predetermined time for Nail Patella Syndrome to be cured.

What is the price of Nail Patella Syndrome treatments in India?

Consultation, therapeutic or surgical therapy, and medicines to promote the proper function of the human body are all part of the treatment for Nail Patella Syndrome. The entire expense of managing health in such circumstances might be in the range of 10-20 lac per year.

Summary: The expense of therapy, from medical consultation to surgery, may range between 10 and 20 lac per year.

Physical Exercises for the people suffering from Nail Patella Syndrome:

The hereditary disorder Nail Patella Syndrome is passed down from generation to generation. As a result, there is no physical activity that can assist you in treating your medical condition. However, you may always contact your doctor for advice on how to maintain excellent physical health.

Summary: There is no specific physical activity that may be used to treat Nail Patella Syndrome. However, one may retain proper physical health by following a healthy workout routine.

Which is the best medicine for Nail Patella Syndrome?

For the time being, there is no particular medicine available to treat Nail Patella Syndrome. However, your doctor may prescribe drugs that are appropriate for treating your surface symptoms.

Summary: Nail Patella Syndrome medication is not linked with a cure but rather focuses on symptom management. To help you manage your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications.

Are the results of the Nail Patella Syndrome treatment permanent?

Because the condition is hereditary in origin, the clinical outcomes will not be stable. If the treatment is stopped or paused for an extended period of time, the condition may recur or flare up.

Summary: In the case of a hereditary condition like Nail Patella Syndrome, the outcomes cannot be permanent.

What are the alternatives to the Nail Patella Syndrome treatment?

Alternative therapies for genetic problems are currently unavailable. Current medical therapies, treatments, and drugs are the sole way to address the disease's difficulties.

Summary: Alternative treatments for hereditary illnesses like Nail Patella Syndrome are still unknown.

Who is eligible for the Nail Patella Syndrome treatment?

Those who are diagnosed with this medical ailment are allowed to seek therapy. People who have the same symptoms as the ones listed above can also see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Summary: Only those who are diagnosed with Nail Patella Syndrome are allowed to seek a treatment plan.

Who is not eligible for the Nail Patella Syndrome treatment?

Those who are not diagnosed with this medical ailment are not allowed to seek therapy. People who have different symptoms like the ones listed above can see a doctor for a different diagnosis and treatment plan.

Summary: Those who are not diagnosed with Nail Patella Syndrome are not allowed to seek a treatment plan.

What are the Nail Patella Syndrome post-treatment guidelines?

Because Nail Patella Syndrome appears to be incurable, treatment will be continued for as long as the patient lives. As a result, the only severe instruction given to the patient is to follow the prescription.

Summary: Because the illness is incurable, there is no cure, hence there are no post-treatment guidelines to follow.
Summary: Patella Syndrome is a rare genetic abnormality that mostly affects the nature of human nails, joints, nerves, and kidneys. A genetic mutation in the LMX1B gene causes the illness. Nail Patella Syndrome has both external and interior signs and symptoms. Some symptoms may be detected without the use of medical technology, while others require the use of medical technology to detect.

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Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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