Living with 3-M syndrome
An inherited condition that causes very slow growth before and after birth, short height, and distinct facial and bone features.
Understanding 3-M syndrome
Babies grow very slowly before birth, and slow growth continues through childhood. Adult height is about 4 feet to 4 feet 6 inches. The face is often triangle-shaped with a broad forehead and pointed chin. The neck and chest may be short and broad, and spinal curves can occur. Intelligence is not affected. GARD lists onset as during pregnancy.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Very slow growth and short stature
- Broad forehead (frontal bossing)
- Long, narrow head (dolichocephaly)
- Midface that looks less full
- Very flexible joints
- Delayed bone growth
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Little People of America may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Little People of America
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Little People of America and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.
Also known as: 3-msbn; 3m syndrome; dolichospondylic dysplasia; gloomy face syndrome; le merrer syndrome; miller-mckusick-malvaux syndrome
Patient organizations
- Little People of America3-M syndrome · United States
- Human Growth Foundation3-M syndrome · United States
- The MAGIC Foundation3-M syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with 3-M syndrome.
Explore research for 3-M syndrome
Explore actively recruiting 3-M syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for 3-M syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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