3p deletion syndrome
Last updated 8 Sept 2020
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
- Add to preferred sources on Google
3p deletion syndrome is a condition that results from a chromosomal change in which a small piece of chromosome 3 is deleted in each cell. The deletion occurs at the end of the short (p) arm of the chromosome. This chromosomal change often leads to intellectual disability, developmental delay, and abnormal physical features.
Description
3p deletion syndrome is a condition that results from a chromosomal change in which a small piece of chromosome 3 is deleted in each cell. The deletion occurs at the end of the short (p) arm of the chromosome. This chromosomal change often leads to intellectual disability, developmental delay, and abnormal physical features.
Individuals with 3p deletion syndrome typically have severe to profound intellectual disability. Most have delayed development of language skills as well as motor skills such as crawling and walking. While affected individuals learn to walk in childhood, their language ability usually remains limited. Some individuals with 3p deletion syndrome have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or features of autism spectrum disorders, which are conditions characterised by impaired communication and social interaction.
The physical signs and symptoms of 3p deletion syndrome vary greatly. Many affected individuals have slow growth, an abnormally small head (microcephaly), a small jaw (micrognathia), droopy eyelids (ptosis), malformed ears or nose, and widely spaced eyes (hypertelorism). Other frequent features include skin folds covering the inner corner of the eyes (epicanthal folds), extra fingers or toes (polydactyly), and an opening in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate). Additionally, individuals with 3p deletion syndrome may have seizures, weak muscle tone (hypotonia), intestinal abnormalities, or congenital heart defects.
Inheritance patterns
The source lists the following possible inheritance patterns: Not inherited. More than one pattern can apply in different cases.
Other names
3p partial monosomy syndrome
3p- syndrome
Chromosome 3, deletion 3p
Chromosome 3, monosomy 3p
Chromosome 3p deletion syndrome
Del(3p) syndrome
Deletion 3p
Monosomy 3p
Partial monosomy 3p
Further reading and references
- 3p deletion syndrome; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Kellogg G, Sum J, Wallerstein R. Deletion of 3p25.3 in a patient with intellectual disability and dysmorphic features with further definition of a critical region. Am J Med Genet A. 2013 Jun;161A(6):1405-8. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35876. Epub 2013 Apr 23.
- Malmgren H, Sahlen S, Wide K, Lundvall M, Blennow E. Distal 3p deletion syndrome: detailed molecular cytogenetic and clinical characterization of three small distal deletions and review. Am J Med Genet A. 2007 Sep 15;143A(18):2143-9. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31902.
- Peltekova IT, Macdonald A, Armour CM. Microdeletion on 3p25 in a patient with features of 3p deletion syndrome. Am J Med Genet A. 2012 Oct;158A(10):2583-6. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35559. Epub 2012 Aug 17.
- Pohjola P, de Leeuw N, Penttinen M, Kaariainen H. Terminal 3p deletions in two families--correlation between molecular karyotype and phenotype. Am J Med Genet A. 2010 Feb;152A(2):441-6. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33215.
Join the conversation
Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our patient communities.

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.