AIDS Dysmorphic Syndrome

Synonyms

• Dysmorphic Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
• Dysmorphic AIDS
• Fetal Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Fetal AIDS Infection
• Fetal Effects of AIDS
• HIV Embryopathy
• Perinatal AIDS

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

The term "AIDS dysmorphic syndrome" or "HIV embryopathy" has been used by some researchers to describe specific facial malformations (i.e., craniofacial dysmorphism), an unusually small head, and growth deficiency in some infants infected with HIV.* Such craniofacial abnormalities have included a prominent, boxlike forehead; large, wide eyes; a flattened nasal bridge; and an unusually pronounced philtrum, which is the vertical groove in the center of the upper lip.

However, many investigators have since questioned the significance of these observations. Such researchers indicate that there is lack of evidence for characteristic craniofacial malformations in infants who acquired HIV infection from their mother before, during, or shortly after birth (i.e., perinatally).

*HIV is the abbreviation for the human immunodeficiency virus, a retrovirus that infects certain white blood cells called helper T cells (CD4+ cells). HIV infection leads to progressive deterioration of the body's immune system and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
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Resources

The Arc (a national organization on mental retardation)
1010 Wayne Ave
Suite 650
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: (301)565-3842
Fax: (301)565-3843
Tel: (800)433-5255
TDD: (817)277-0553
Email: info@thearc.org
Internet: http://www.thearc.org/

amfAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research)
120 Wall Street
Thirteenth Floor
New York, NY 10005-3902
USA
Tel: 2128061600
Fax: 2128061601
Tel: 8003926327
Email: webmaster@amfar.org
Internet: http://www.amfar.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
Tel: (404)639-3534
Tel: (800)311-3435
Email: http://www.cdc.gov/netinfo.htm
Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/

Computerized AIDS Information Network
1625 North Schrader Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90038
USA
Tel: 2138454180
Fax: 2138454193

NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
6610 Rockledge Drive
MSC 6612
Bethesda, MD 20892-6612
Tel: (301)496-5717
Fax: (301)402-3573
TDD: (800)877-8339
Internet: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/

Jack Miller Center for Peripheral Neuropathy
University of Chicago
5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 2030
Chicago, IL 60637
Tel: (773)702-5800
Fax: (773)702-5577
Email: information-millercenter@neurology.bsd.uchicago.edu
Internet: http://millercenter.uchicago.edu

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 10/12/2007
Copyright 1988, 1989, 2000, 2001, 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.