Rare Diseases Genetic Disorders Russell-Silver Syndrome By Mary Kugler, RN Mary Kugler, RN Mary Kugler, RN, is a pediatric nurse whose specialty is caring for children with long-term or severe medical problems. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 25, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH LinkedIn Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH, is a board-certified specialist in family medicine and is the former medical director of a community health center. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Russell-Silver syndrome is a type of growth disorder usually accompanied by distinctive facial features, and often by asymmetric limbs. Babies with this condition typically have difficulty feeding and growing. Although adolescents and adults with Russell-Silver syndrome will be shorter than average, the syndrome does not significantly impact life expectancy. Russell-Silver syndrome is now thought to be a genetic disorder, caused by abnormalities in either chromosome 7 or chromosome 11. Most cases are not inherited but are thought to be due to spontaneous mutations. Russell-Silver syndrome affects all genders and people of all ethnic backgrounds. Hero Images / Getty Images Symptoms Failure to grow is the primary symptom of Russell-Silver syndrome. Other symptoms include: Low birthweightDistinctive facial features which include a small triangular face (a high forehead that tapers to a small jaw), prominent nasal bridge, and down-turning corners of the mouthA normal-sized head but because the body is small, the head looks large in comparisonOvergrowth of one side of the body, resulting in asymmetry of arms and/or legsDefects of fingers and toes, such as curving in or fusion Diagnosis In general, the most noticeable symptom of Russell-Silver syndrome is a child’s failure to grow, and this may suggest the diagnosis. The infant is born small and does not achieve normal lengths/heights for his/her age. The distinctive facial features may be identified in infants and children but may be harder to recognize in teenagers and adults. Genetic testing can be done to rule out other genetic disorders that may have similar symptoms. Treatment Because children with Russell-Silver syndrome have difficulty consuming enough calories for growth, parents need to learn how to optimize calorie intake, and special high-calorie formulas may be given. In many cases, a feeding tube will be necessary to help the child achieve optimal nutrition. Growth hormone therapy can help the child grow more rapidly, but he or she will still be shorter than average. Early intervention programs for young children are helpful since some children with Russell-Silver syndrome will have difficulty with language and math skills. In addition, physical and occupational therapy are helpful to promote physical development. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Russell Silver Syndrome. Smeets C, Zandwijken G, Renes J, Hokken-Koelega A. Long-Term Results of GH Treatment in Silver-Russell Syndrome (SRS): Do They Benefit the Same as Non-SRS Short-SGA?. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2016;101(5):2105-2112. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-4273 Additional Reading National Institutes of Health. Russell-Silver syndrome.