Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome
Definition
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a syndrome characterized by microcephaly (small head size), mental retardation, short stature, and major and minor malformations. It is caused by an abnormality in cholesterol metabolism.
Description
SLOS was first characterized by David W. Smith, John M. Opitz, and Luc Lemli in 1964. The syndrome has variable characteristics marked mainly by short stature, mental retardation, microcephaly, postaxial polydactyly (an extra digit on the little finger side of the hand or the little toe side of the foot), cleft palate, cardiovascular defects, genital malformations and other abnormalities associated with abnormal cholesterol metabolism. In 1993, scientists discovered that children with SLOS have a metabolic disorder that prevents cholesterol from...
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