[The Noonan syndrome from a pediatric perspective]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
C Noordam1, G Thoonen, C J A M van der Burgt
1Afd. Kinderendocrinologie, Universitair Medisch Centrum St Radboud, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen. c.noordam@cukz.umcn.nl
Insights
Noonan syndrome is a genetic disorder causing heart defects and short stature. While early feeding issues resolve, learning and behavioral problems require specific management.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Biology
Context:
- Noonan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder.
- Characterized by cardiac defects, short stature, and developmental issues.
- PTPN11 gene mutations confirm diagnosis in 50% of cases.
Purpose:
- To summarize the key features and management considerations for Noonan syndrome.
- To highlight diagnostic criteria and genetic basis.
- To discuss treatment efficacy and developmental outcomes.
Summary:
- Noonan syndrome presents with cardiac defects, short stature, and early feeding difficulties, often resolving spontaneously.
- Later developmental challenges include learning and behavioral problems, specifically non-verbal learning disability.
- Diagnosis is clinical, with PTPN11 gene mutations identified in half of affected individuals.
Impact:
- Provides a concise overview for clinicians and researchers.
- Emphasizes the need for tailored approaches to developmental and behavioral issues.
- Highlights the current limitations in growth hormone treatment efficacy, recommending research settings.
Abstract:
Noonan syndrome is a relatively common autosomal dominant condition characterised by cardiac defects, short stature, feeding difficulties during the first year of life, and learning and behavioural problems later in life. The diagnosis is clinical and in 50% of cases it can be confirmed by a mutation in the PTPN11 gene. Studies into the effect of growth hormone treatment on final height have yet to provide any definite conclusions. Therefore, for the time being this treatment should be carried out in a research setting. Early-childhood feeding difficulties are troublesome. However, these disappear spontaneously and do not seem to negatively affect growth. Specific developmental patterns, resulting in behavioural and learning problems (non-verbal learning disability) are frequently encountered and require a specific approach.
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