Overview
Peters plus syndrome (also known as Krause-Kivlin syndrome or Peters-plus syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a combination of anterior eye segment abnormalities, short stature with rhizomelic (proximal) limb shortening, distinctive facial features, and variable intellectual disability. The condition is caused by mutations in the B3GLCT gene (formerly known as B3GALTL), located on chromosome 13q12.3, which encodes an enzyme involved in protein glycosylation. The hallmark ocular finding is Peters anomaly, a developmental defect of the anterior chamber of the eye involving central corneal opacity (leukoma), defects in the posterior corneal layers (Descemet membrane and endothelium), and variable adhesions between the iris or lens and the cornea. These eye abnormalities are typically present at birth and can lead to significant visual impairment or blindness if untreated. Glaucoma is a frequent complication. Other ocular features may include microphthalmia, cataracts, and anterior synechiae. Additional clinical features include disproportionate short stature, a characteristic facial appearance with a prominent forehead, narrow palpebral fissures, a long philtrum, thin upper lip (often described as a Cupid's bow shape), and broad hands with clinodactyly of the fifth finger. Cleft lip and/or palate may occur. Developmental delay and intellectual disability of variable severity are common but not universal. Congenital heart defects, genitourinary anomalies, and structural brain abnormalities have also been reported in some patients. Treatment is primarily supportive and symptom-directed. Corneal transplantation (penetrating keratoplasty) may be attempted to improve vision, though outcomes can be variable. Glaucoma management, developmental support, and monitoring for associated anomalies are important components of care. No disease-specific therapy currently exists.
Also known as:
Clinical phenotype terms— 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 Peters plus syndrome.
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Specialists
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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 Peters plus syndrome.
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Caregiver Resources
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Social Security Disability
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Common questions about Peters plus syndrome
What is Peters plus syndrome?
Peters plus syndrome (also known as Krause-Kivlin syndrome or Peters-plus syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a combination of anterior eye segment abnormalities, short stature with rhizomelic (proximal) limb shortening, distinctive facial features, and variable intellectual disability. The condition is caused by mutations in the B3GLCT gene (formerly known as B3GALTL), located on chromosome 13q12.3, which encodes an enzyme involved in protein glycosylation. The hallmark ocular finding is Peters anomaly, a developmental defect of the anterior chamber of the eye i
How is Peters plus syndrome inherited?
Peters plus syndrome follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Peters plus syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Peters plus syndrome is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.