Overview
5p13 microduplication syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by a small extra copy (duplication) of genetic material on the short arm of chromosome 5, specifically in the region known as 5p13. This syndrome is sometimes referred to as 5p13 duplication syndrome or trisomy 5p13. Because this region contains several important genes that guide early development, having extra copies of these genes can disrupt normal growth and brain development. People with this condition often experience developmental delays, intellectual disability that ranges from mild to moderate, speech and language difficulties, and distinctive facial features. Some individuals may also have behavioral challenges such as attention difficulties or features on the autism spectrum. Physical features can include a broad forehead, widely spaced eyes, a flat nasal bridge, and low-set ears, though these vary from person to person. Some children may have low muscle tone (hypotonia) and feeding difficulties in infancy. There is currently no cure for 5p13 microduplication syndrome. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting development through early intervention programs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special education services. With appropriate support, many individuals can make meaningful developmental progress. The condition is very rare, and ongoing research continues to improve our understanding of how it affects individuals over their lifetime.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Developmental delayIntellectual disability (mild to moderate)Speech and language delaysLow muscle tone (floppy muscles)Feeding difficulties in infancyDistinctive facial featuresBroad foreheadWidely spaced eyesFlat nasal bridgeBehavioral challengesAttention difficultiesAutism spectrum featuresShort statureLearning difficultiesMotor skill delays
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Infantile
Begins in infancy, roughly 1 month to 2 years old
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for 5p13 microduplication syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for 5p13 microduplication syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to 5p13 microduplication syndrome.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the exact size and location of my child's duplication, and which genes are involved?,Was this duplication inherited from a parent or did it occur as a new event?,What developmental therapies should we start, and how often?,Are there any additional medical tests or screenings my child needs?,What should I expect in terms of my child's learning and development over time?,Should other family members be tested for this duplication?,Are there any research studies or registries we can participate in?
Common questions about 5p13 microduplication syndrome
What is 5p13 microduplication syndrome?
5p13 microduplication syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by a small extra copy (duplication) of genetic material on the short arm of chromosome 5, specifically in the region known as 5p13. This syndrome is sometimes referred to as 5p13 duplication syndrome or trisomy 5p13. Because this region contains several important genes that guide early development, having extra copies of these genes can disrupt normal growth and brain development. People with this condition often experience developmental delays, intellectual disability that ranges from mild to moderate, speech and language diff
At what age does 5p13 microduplication syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of 5p13 microduplication syndrome is infantile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.