FG Syndrome Family Alliance, Inc.
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Is it possible for a girl to have FG?
Until recently, we believed that girls did not have the FG Syndrome. This is because, in an X-linked syndrome, girls are usually carriers with little to no impact from the syndrome. Usually, carriers may exhibit subtle traits of the syndrome such as constipation, an upswept hairline, or broad thumbs and toes.
Recently, more girls have been found who exhibit sigificant FG traits. In July of 2002, FlaGstone's (our bi-monthly print newsletter) Spotlight Child was a girl diagnosed with FG, and she is not the only girl in our network who carries this diagnosis. So, while it is still unusual for a girl to be diagnosed with FG Syndrome, it is not unheard of.
One explanation that is currently under research is called "skewed lionization," in which more than the expected 50/50 genes on the mother's X chromosome shut down during conception. For example, one mother has tested at a 92/8 ratio. Thus, a girl might not receive enough normal genes to mask the mutated FG gene. There is also the possibility that a male with FGS and a female carrier could pass both of their affected X chromosomes to a daughter and thus she would have FG Syndrome. However, at this point, the experts believe that this circumstance is rare, and that skewing is a more likely explanation.
If you believe your daughter may have the FG Syndrome, it is important to discuss your concerns with a medical geneticist. If you would like more information about girls and the FG Syndrome, please contact us.
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Disclaimer: This page was not created by a medical professional. Any errors should
be reported immediately to info@fg-syndrome.org.FG Syndrome Family Alliance, Inc., 2009
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