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Living with Pfeiffer syndrome type 2

A severe type of Pfeiffer syndrome with a cloverleaf-shaped skull and problems with hand, foot, and joint movement.

Understanding Pfeiffer syndrome type 2

Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 is a frequent and severe type of Pfeiffer syndrome that causes a cloverleaf-shaped skull.

It also involves severe associated functional problems and differences in the hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Signs are noticed during pregnancy and in newborns.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Cloverleaf-shaped skull
  • Bulging eyes
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Broad thumbs and big toes
  • Fused fingers or toes
  • Delays in development

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 bone and joint specialists, eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in FGFR2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    World Craniofacial Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: World Craniofacial Foundation
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 World Craniofacial Foundation 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
What surgeries are planned, and in what order?
How can we support breathing and airway health?
Would FGFR2 testing help other family members?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesFGFR2

Changes in the FGFR2 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of the gene is enough to cause it.

Genetic

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Pfeiffer syndrome type 2GARD ID 16808 · 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 Pfeiffer syndrome type 2.

Explore the Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 blog

Explore research for Pfeiffer syndrome type 2

Explore actively recruiting Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 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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