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Living with Chromosome 15q26-qter deletion syndrome

A rare chromosome condition with slow growth, developmental delay, hand and foot differences, and sometimes heart or other birth differences.

Understanding Chromosome 15q26-qter deletion syndrome

Chromosome 15q26-qter deletion syndrome (distal monosomy 15q) is a rare condition caused by a missing piece at the end of chromosome 15.

It includes slow growth before and after birth, developmental delay, intellectual disability of varying degree, and hand and foot differences such as clubfoot. Mild facial differences are common. Newborn swelling from lymph fluid, heart differences, and autism have also been reported. GARD lists onset during pregnancy and at birth.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Slow growth and poor weight gain
  • Delayed speech and language
  • Small head size (microcephaly)
  • Cleft palate
  • Clubfoot
  • Heart or aortic differences

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
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 Chromosome Disorder Outreach
  • 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Should the heart and aorta be checked regularly?
Which therapies support growth, feeding, and development?
Can we look for diaphragm or kidney differences?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn

GARD says it is caused by a missing piece at the end of chromosome 15's long arm (15q26-qter).

Genetic

Also known as: 15q26 deletion syndrome; chromosome 15q26-qter deletion syndrome, isolated cases; distal 15q deletion syndrome; distal monosomy 15q; distal monosomy type 15q; drayer syndrome

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Chromosome 15q26-qter deletion syndromeGARD ID 16572 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Chromosome 15q26-qter deletion syndrome.

Explore the Chromosome 15q26-qter deletion syndrome blog

Explore research for Chromosome 15q26-qter deletion syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Chromosome 15q26-qter deletion syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

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  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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