Overview
Oliver syndrome, also known as Oliver postaxial polydactyly-mental retardation syndrome, is an extremely rare genetic condition that affects multiple body systems. It was first described in the medical literature and is characterized by the combination of extra fingers or toes (specifically on the outer side of the hand or foot, called postaxial polydactyly), intellectual disability, and sometimes other physical differences. Individuals with Oliver syndrome may have varying degrees of developmental delay and learning difficulties, along with limb abnormalities that are typically present at birth. Because this condition is so rare, with very few cases reported in the medical literature, our understanding of the full range of symptoms and the best approaches to care is still limited. There is currently no cure for Oliver syndrome. Treatment focuses on managing individual symptoms and supporting development. This may include surgical correction of extra digits, special education services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other supportive measures tailored to each person's needs. A team of specialists working together is usually the best approach to care for individuals with this condition.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Extra fingers or toes on the outer side of the hand or footIntellectual disabilityDevelopmental delaySpeech and language delaysShort statureUnusual facial featuresLearning difficulties
Clinical phenotype terms (25)— hover any for plain English
Autosomal recessive
Passed on when both parents carry the same gene change; often skips generations
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Oliver syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Oliver 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 Oliver 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 expected range of developmental outcomes for my child?,When should surgery for the extra fingers or toes be performed?,What early intervention therapies do you recommend and how often?,Should we pursue genetic testing, and what type would be most helpful?,Are there other conditions we should rule out that look similar?,What educational supports should we request for our child?,Is genetic counseling recommended for our family regarding future pregnancies?
Common questions about Oliver syndrome
What is Oliver syndrome?
Oliver syndrome, also known as Oliver postaxial polydactyly-mental retardation syndrome, is an extremely rare genetic condition that affects multiple body systems. It was first described in the medical literature and is characterized by the combination of extra fingers or toes (specifically on the outer side of the hand or foot, called postaxial polydactyly), intellectual disability, and sometimes other physical differences. Individuals with Oliver syndrome may have varying degrees of developmental delay and learning difficulties, along with limb abnormalities that are typically present at bir
How is Oliver syndrome inherited?
Oliver syndrome follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Oliver syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Oliver syndrome is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.