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

Orofaciodigital syndrome 2



I have a pregnant colleague that has been told her unborn child has Mohr syndrome (also known as orofaciodigital syndrome 2). I work in the health care field and have never heard of this disorder. I am looking for credible information that will help me understand this syndrome. I want to be informed.


What is orofaciodigital syndrome type 2?

Orofaciodigital syndrome type 2 (OFDS 2) is a genetic condition that affects the development of the mouth, face, hands, and feet.[1] It belongs to a group of disorders called orofaciodigital syndromes (OFDS), which are characterized by mouth malformations, unique facial findings, and abnormalities of the fingers and/or toes.[2] Other organs might be affected in OFDS, defining the specific types. OFDS type 2 is very similar to oral-facial-digital syndrome (OFDS) type 1. Signs and symptoms may include: cleft lip and/or palate, additional or fused fingers or toes (polydactyly or syndactyly), characteristic facial features, and congenital heart defects. Although it is highly suspected that OFDS 2 is genetic, the exact gene that causes the syndrome has not been identified. It is believed to be inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Although there is no specific treatment or cure for OFDS 2, there are ways to manage the symptoms. A team of doctors or specialists is often needed to figure out the treatment options for each person.[1][3]
Last updated: 9/12/2016

What are the signs and symptoms seen in orofaciodigital syndrome type 2 (OFDS 2)?

Although the signs and symptoms that occur in people with OFDS 2 may vary, the following findings may be present[1][4]:
  • Facial findings including nodules (bumps) of the tongue, a split in the lip and/or palate (cleft lip and/or palate), a thickened frenulum (cord of tissue) under the tongue or between the lip and gum, and an unusually wide nasal bridge resulting in widely spaced eyes (dystopia canthorum)
  •  Finger and toe findings including narrow, short fingers and toes (clinobrachydactyly), syndactyly (fused fingers and toes), presence of more than five fingers on hands and/or five toes on feet (polydactyly), and a Y-shaped central metacarpal (bone that connects the fingers to the hands)
Other possible findings include: conductive hearing loss, central nervous system impairments (porencephaly and hydrocephaly), intellectual disabilities, increased susceptibility to respiratory (lung) infections, and heart defects (atrioventricular canal [endocardial cushion] defects).[1][3]
Last updated: 9/12/2016

How might orofaciodigital syndrome type 2 (OFDS 2) be treated?

Although there is no one treatment for OFDS 2, there may be ways for a team of specialists to manage the signs and symptoms present in each individual. For example, reconstructive surgery might be performed to correct oral, facial, and/or finger and toe abnormalities.[1]
Last updated: 9/12/2016

What is the long-term outlook for orofaciodigital syndrome type 2 (OFDS 2)?

The signs and symptoms associated with OFDS 2 may vary from person to person, even within the same family.[1] Therefore, the challenges faced by one person with the syndrome may be completely different than someone else with OFDS 2. Given the variability of the disorder, it may be useful to speak with the patient's health care provider in order to have a better understanding of the different complications that might arise based on the signs and symptoms present in that patient.
Last updated: 9/15/2016

What causes orofaciodigital syndrome type 2 (OFDS 2)?

OFDS 2 is suspected to be a genetic disorder, given reports of families in which it appears to be inherited in an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The causative gene is not known at this time.[5]
Last updated: 9/12/2016

How is orofaciodigital syndrome type 2 (OFDS 2) inherited?

OFDS 2 is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. This means that to be affected, a person must have a mutation in both copies of the responsible gene in each cell. Affected people inherit one mutated copy of the gene from each parent, who is referred to as a carrier. Carriers of an autosomal recessive condition typically do not have any signs or symptoms (they are unaffected). When 2 carriers of an autosomal recessive condition have children, each child has a:[5]
  • 25% (1 in 4) chance to be affected
  • 50% (1 in 2) chance to be an unaffected carrier like each parent
  • 25% (1 in 4) chance to not be affected and not be a carrier
Last updated: 9/12/2016

How can I find a genetics professional in my area?

To find a medical professional who specializes in genetics, you can ask your doctor for a referral or you can search for one yourself. Online directories are provided by the American College of Medical Genetics, and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. If you need additional help, contact a GARD Information Specialist. You can also learn more about genetic consultations from Genetics Home Reference.
Last updated: 11/30/2017

We hope this information is helpful. We strongly recommend you discuss this information with your doctor. If you still have questions, please contact us.

Warm regards,
GARD Information Specialist

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  1. Gurrieri F, Franco B, Toriello H, Neri G. Research Review Oral-Facial-Digital Syndromes: Review and Diagnostic Guidelines. American Journal of Medical Genetics. 2007; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17963220.
  2. Oral-Facial-Digital Syndrome. NORD. 2007; http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/oral-facial-digital-syndrome/.
  3. Marie-Paule VAZQUEZ. Orofaciodigital syndrome type 2. Orphanet. November 2009; http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=en&Expert=2751.
  4. Rhouma A, Horneff G. Mohr-Claussen syndrome or oro-facial-digital syndrome (OFDS) type-II. Klin Padiatr. Apr 2014; 226(2):78-79. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24643746.
  5. Victor A. McKusick. MOHR SYNDROME. In: Carol A. Bocchini. OMIM. 7/23/2015; http://www.omim.org/entry/252100.