Cerebro-Oculo-Facio-Skeletal Syndrome

What is cerebro-oculo-facio-skeletal syndrome (COFS)?
Cerebro-oculo-facio-skeletal syndrome (COFS) is a pediatric, genetic, degenerative disorder that involves the brain and the spinal cord. It is characterized by craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities, severely reduced muscle tone, and impairment of reflexes. Symptoms may include large, low-set ears, small eyes, microcephaly (abnormal smallness of the head), micrognathia (abnormal smallness of the jaws), clenched fists, wide-set nipples, vision impairments, involuntary eye movements, and mental retardation, which can be moderate or severe. Respiratory infections are frequent. COFS is diagnosed at birth. Ultrasound technology can detect fetuses with COFS at an early stage of pregnancy, as the fetus moves very little, and some of the abnormalities result, in part, from lack of movement.

A small number of individuals with COFS have a mutation in the "ERCC6" gene and are more appropriately diagnosed as having Cockayne Syndrome Type II. Other individuals with COFS may have defects in the xeroderma pigmentosum genes "XPG" or "XPD." Still others who are diagnosed with COFS have no identifiable genetic defect and are presumably affected because of mutations in a distinct, as-yet-unknown gene.

NOTE: This disorder is not the same as Cohen's syndrome (cerebral obesity ocular skeletal syndrome).

Is there any treatment?
Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Individuals with the disorder often require tube feeding. Because COFS is genetic, genetic counseling is available.

What is the prognosis?
COFS is a fatal disease. Most children do not live beyond five years.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on genetic disorders such as COFS. The goals of this research include finding ways to prevent, treat, and cure these disorders.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Cerebro-Oculo-Facio- Skeletal Syndrome (COFS) Clinical Trials
Throughout the U.S. and Worldwide

Organizations
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
55 Kenosia Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810
https://www.rarediseases.org
203-744-0100, Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)

This information was developed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS Cerebro-Oculo-Facio-Skeletal Syndrome (COFS) Information Page. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cofs/cofs.htm. Accessed June 2, 2015.

The information in this document is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for personalized professional advice. Although the information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, MedLink Corporation, its representatives, and the providers of the information do not guarantee its accuracy and disclaim responsibility for adverse consequences resulting from its use. For further information, consult a physician and the organization referred to herein.