Dubowitz syndrome: long-term follow-up of an original patient

Dubowitz syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder of growth retardation, characteristic face, mild mental retardation, and eczema originally described by Dubowitz [1965]. Little information is available on natural history and adulthood in this disorder. We report on a 30-year-old woman who was one of the first patients to be diagnosed with the condition [Grosse et al., 1971, Z Kinderheilkd 110:175-187]. Microcephaly, short stature, leg length discrepancy, hyperextensible joints, spina bifida occulta, and absence of anterior cruciate ligaments were present. Her facial appearance had been modified by several plastic surgery procedures. Eczema resolved with age, with occasional flareups. Asthma, headaches, and seizures were additional medical findings. Speech delays, an unusually soft, high-pitched voice, submucous cleft palate, and velopharyngeal insufficiency were noted in childhood. Mild mental retardation was present. At age 30 years she is living independently in her own apartment and working full-time in a nearby sheltered workshop.