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Living with Dahlberg-Borer-Newcomer syndrome

A rare genetic syndrome with low parathyroid hormone, kidney problems, swelling from lymph fluid, and heart valve changes.

Understanding Dahlberg-Borer-Newcomer syndrome

Dahlberg-Borer-Newcomer syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects several body systems, including hormones, kidneys, the lymph system, and the heart.

It combines low parathyroid hormone (hypoparathyroidism) present from birth, kidney disease, lymph swelling, a heart valve problem, and short fingers and toes. Mild facial differences, extra body hair, and nail changes may also occur. GARD lists onset in childhood and notes no further descriptions since 1993.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Low parathyroid hormone (hypoparathyroidism)
  • Kidney disease (nephropathy)
  • Swelling from lymph fluid (lymphedema)
  • Mitral valve prolapse (heart valve)
  • Short fingers and toes (brachydactyly)
  • Short stature

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 eye disease specialists, genetic specialists, hormone specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

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

  4. Connect with expert centers

    National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias
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 National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How should hormone and calcium levels be monitored?
How often should kidney and heart health be checked?
Which inheritance pattern applies to our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive, X-Linked

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It lists both autosomal recessive and X-linked inheritance.

GeneticEndocrineSkin

Also known as: dahlberg borer newcomer syndrome; dahlberg syndrome; lymphedema hypoparathyroidism syndrome; lymphedema-hypoparathyroidism syndrome

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Dahlberg-Borer-Newcomer syndromeGARD ID 237 · 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 Dahlberg-Borer-Newcomer syndrome.

Explore the Dahlberg-Borer-Newcomer syndrome blog

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