National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Chromosome 3p- syndrome


Other Names:
Del(3p) syndrome; Chromosome 3, monosomy 3p25; Deletion 3p25; Del(3p) syndrome; Chromosome 3, monosomy 3p25; Deletion 3p25; Chromosome 3pter-p25 Deletion Syndrome; Telomeric monosomy 3p; Distal 3p deletion; 3p- syndrome; Distal monosomy 3p; Monosomy 3pter See More
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Chromosome 3p- syndrome is a rare chromosome abnormality that occurs when there is a missing copy of the genetic material located towards the end of the short arm (p) of chromosome 3. The severity of the condition and the signs and symptoms depend on the exact size and location of the deletion and which genes are involved. Some affected people appear to have no features or mild features, while others are more severely affected. Common symptoms shared by many people with this deletion include poor growth, developmental delay, intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, autism spectrum disorder, an unusually small head (microcephaly), and poor muscle tone (hypotonia). Most cases are not inherited, but people can pass the deletion on to their children. Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 5/10/2015
The signs and symptoms of chromosome 3p- syndrome and the severity of the condition depend on the exact size and location of the deletion and which genes are involved. Some affected people appear to have no features or mild features, while others are more severely affected.

Common symptoms shared by many people with this condition include:[1][2]
  • Growth problems both before and after birth
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Developmental delay
  • Poor muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Intellectual disability
  • Ptosis
  • Distinctive facial features
  • Microcephaly and/or unusual head shape
  • Autism spectrum disorder
Other features that may be seen include cleft palate; extra fingers and/or toes; gastrointestinal abnormalities; seizures; hearing impairment; kidney problems; and/or congenital heart defects.[1][2]
Last updated: 5/10/2015

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

Showing of 60 |
Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Cognitive impairment
Abnormality of cognition
Cognitive abnormality
Cognitive defects
Cognitive deficits
Intellectual impairment
Mental impairment
[ more ] 		0100543
Hypertelorism
Wide-set eyes
Widely spaced eyes
[ more ] 		0000316
Long philtrum 0000343
Micrognathia
Little lower jaw
Small jaw
Small lower jaw
[ more ] 		0000347
Ptosis
Drooping upper eyelid
0000508
Short stature
Decreased body height
Small stature
[ more ] 		0004322
Telecanthus
Corners of eye widely separated
0000506
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Atrioventricular canal defect 0006695
Brachycephaly
Short and broad skull
0000248
Cleft palate
Cleft roof of mouth
0000175
Cryptorchidism
Undescended testes
Undescended testis
[ more ] 		0000028
Downturned corners of mouth
Downturned corners of the mouth
Downturned mouth
[ more ] 		0002714
Epicanthus
Eye folds
Prominent eye folds
[ more ] 		0000286
Hearing impairment
Deafness
Hearing defect
[ more ] 		0000365
High palate
Elevated palate
Increased palatal height
[ more ] 		0000218
Intrauterine growth retardation
Prenatal growth deficiency
Prenatal growth retardation
[ more ] 		0001511
Low-set, posteriorly rotated ears 0000368
Microcephaly
Abnormally small skull
Decreased circumference of cranium
Decreased size of skull
Reduced head circumference
Small head circumference
[ more ] 		0000252
Muscular hypotonia
Low or weak muscle tone
0001252
Postaxial hand polydactyly
Extra little finger
Extra pinkie finger
Extra pinky finger
[ more ] 		0001162
5%-29% of people have these symptoms
Abnormal renal morphology
Abnormally shaped kidney
Kidney malformation
Kidney structure issue
Structural kidney abnormalities
[ more ] 		0012210
Abnormal vestibulo-ocular reflex 0007670
Anteverted nares
Nasal tip, upturned
Upturned nasal tip
Upturned nose
Upturned nostrils
[ more ] 		0000463
Blepharophimosis
Narrow opening between the eyelids
0000581
Clinodactyly of the 5th finger
Permanent curving of the pinkie finger
0004209
Inguinal hernia 0000023
Macular hypoplasia 0001104
Preauricular pit
Pit in front of the ear
0004467
Prominent nasal bridge
Elevated nasal bridge
High nasal bridge
Prominent bridge of nose
Prominent nasal root
Protruding bridge of nose
Protruding nasal bridge
[ more ] 		0000426
Sacral dimple
Spinal dimple
0000960
Seizure 0001250
Short neck
Decreased length of neck
0000470
Spasticity
Involuntary muscle stiffness, contraction, or spasm
0001257
Thin vermilion border
Decreased volume of lip
Thin lips
[ more ] 		0000233
Triangular face
Face with broad temples and narrow chin
Triangular facial shape
[ more ] 		0000325
Umbilical hernia 0001537
Ventriculomegaly 0002119
Percent of people who have these symptoms is not available through HPO
Absent speech
Absent speech development
Lack of language development
Lack of speech
No speech development
No speech or language development
Nonverbal
[ more ] 		0001344
Autosomal dominant inheritance 0000006
Broad nasal tip
Broad tip of nose
Broad, upturned nose
Increased breadth of nasal tip
Increased breadth of tip of nose
Increased width of nasal tip
Increased width of tip of nose
Nasal tip, broad
Nasal tip, wide
Wide tip of nose
[ more ] 		0000455
Depressed nasal bridge
Depressed bridge of nose
Flat bridge of nose
Flat nasal bridge
Flat, nasal bridge
Flattened nasal bridge
Low nasal bridge
Low nasal root
[ more ] 		0005280
Feeding difficulties
Feeding problems
Poor feeding
[ more ] 		0011968
Flat occiput 0005469
Global developmental delay 0001263
Highly arched eyebrow
Arched eyebrows
Broad, arched eyebrows
High, rounded eyebrows
High-arched eyebrows
Thick, flared eyebrows
[ more ] 		0002553
Low hanging columella 0009765
Low-set ears
Low set ears
Lowset ears
[ more ] 		0000369
Periorbital fullness
Puffiness around eye
0000629
Postaxial polydactyly 0100259
Postnatal growth retardation
Growth delay as children
0008897
Prominent metopic ridge 0005487
Psychomotor retardation 0025356
Retrognathia
Receding chin
Receding lower jaw
Weak chin
Weak jaw
[ more ] 		0000278
Small for gestational age
Birth weight less than 10th percentile
Low birth weight
[ more ] 		0001518
Strabismus
Cross-eyed
Squint
Squint eyes
[ more ] 		0000486
Synophrys
Monobrow
Unibrow
[ more ] 		0000664
Tapered finger
Tapered fingertips
Tapering fingers
[ more ] 		0001182
Trigonocephaly
Triangular skull shape
Wedge shaped skull
[ more ] 		0000243
Upslanted palpebral fissure
Upward slanting of the opening between the eyelids
0000582
Wide nasal bridge
Broad nasal bridge
Broad nasal root
Broadened nasal bridge
Increased breadth of bridge of nose
Increased breadth of nasal bridge
Increased width of bridge of nose
Increased width of nasal bridge
Nasal bridge broad
Wide bridge of nose
Widened nasal bridge
[ more ] 		0000431
Showing of 60 |
Last updated: 7/1/2020
In most people with chromosome 3p- syndrome, the deletion occurs as a new mutation (called a de novo mutation) and is not inherited from a parent. De novo mutations are due to a random error that occurs during the formation of egg or sperm cells, or shortly after conception. In a few cases, the deletion is inherited from a parent.[2]
Last updated: 5/10/2015
In most cases, chromosome 3p- syndrome occurs for the first time in the affected person (de novo mutation). However, the deletion is rarely inherited from a parent. In these cases, the deletion is passed down in an autosomal dominant manner. This means that a person with chromosome 3p- syndrome has a 50% chance with each pregnancy of passing the condition on to his or her child.

In theory, it is possible for a parent to not have the deletion in their chromosomes on a blood test, but have the deletion in some of their egg or sperm cells only. This phenomenon is called germline mosaicism. In these rare cases, it would be possible to have another child with the deletion. To our knowledge, this has not been reported with chromosome 3p- syndrome.[4]

People interested in learning more about genetic risks to themselves or family members should speak with a genetics professional.
Last updated: 5/10/2015
There are several different specialized tests that can be used to diagnose a chromosome 3p- syndrome. These include:[5][2]
  • Karyotype - a karyotype is a laboratory test that produces an image of a person's chromosomes. This test can be used to diagnose large deletions.
  • FISH - a laboratory technique that is used to detect and locate a specific DNA sequence on a chromosome. During FISH, a chromosome is exposed to a small DNA sequence called a probe that has a fluorescent molecule attached to it. The probe sequence binds to its corresponding sequence on the chromosome. This test can be used in combination with karyotyping for deletions that are too small to be seen on karyotype, alone. However, FISH is only useful if the person ordering the test suspects there is a duplication of a specific region of 3p.
  • Array CGH - a technology that detects deletions that are too small to be seen on karyotype.
Last updated: 5/10/2015

Testing Resources

  • The Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) provides information about the genetic tests for this condition. The intended audience for the GTR is health care providers and researchers. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.
Because chromosome 3p- syndrome affects many different systems of the body, medical management is often provided by a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals. Treatment for this deletion varies based on the signs and symptoms present in each person. For example, children with delayed motor milestones (i.e. walking) and/or muscle problems may be referred for physical or occupational therapy. Severe feeding difficulties may be treated temporarily with a nasogastric tube or a gastrostomy tube to ensure that a baby or child gets enough nutrients. Certain medications may be prescribed to treat seizures. Special education services are often necessary for children with intellectual disability. Surgery may be required to treat certain physical abnormalities such as cleft palate or congenital heart defects, if present.[2][3]

Please speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your personal medical management plan.
Last updated: 5/10/2015
The long-term outlook (prognosis) for people with chromosome 3p- syndrome varies from person to person. The severity of the condition and the associated signs and symptoms largely depend on the size and location of the deletion and the genes involved.[2]
Last updated: 5/10/2015

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Chromosome 3p- syndrome. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.
  • Unique is a source of information and support for families and individuals affected by rare chromosome disorders. Click on the link to view information about Chromosome 3p- syndrome.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Chromosome 3p- syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Kaur A, Khetarpal S. 3p deletion syndrome. Indian Pediatr. August, 2013; 50(8):795-796. Accessed 7/8/2014.
  2. 3p25 Deletions. Unique. 2014; http://www.rarechromo.org/information/Chromosome%20%203/3p25%20deletions%20FTNW.pdf.
  3. Chromosome 3, Monosomy 3p. NORD. 2009; https://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/993/viewAbstract.
  4. 3p25 deletions. Unique. 2013; http://www.rarechromo.org/information/Chromosome%20%203/3p25%20deletions%20FTNW.pdf. Accessed 7/8/2014.
  5. Microarray-based Comparative Genomic Hybridisation (Array CGH). Unique. 2015; http://www.rarechromo.org/information/other/array%20cgh%20ftnw.pdf.