Table 3.

Branchiooculofacial Syndrome: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

System/ConcernEvaluationComment
Branchial defects Exam of skin defects by pediatric plastic surgeonTo delineate extent of lesion(s), determine if there is a sinus, &, most importantly, determine if thymic remnant could be present
Eyes Complete eye exam by pediatric ophthalmologistTo assess for visual limitations, strabismus, & nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Referral of those w/anophthalmia &/or severe microphthalmia to support services for visually impaired
Cleft lip/palate Formal eval of cleft lip/palate & other possible facial abnormalitiesBy cleft lip/palate team, which often incl clinical geneticist, pediatric plastic surgeon, ENT, audiologist, speech-language therapist, & dental & orthodontic specialist
Hearing
  • Hearing eval
  • CT imaging of temporal bone to anticipate optimal hearing correction 1
Kidney Renal ultrasonography w/referral to nephrologist if renal abnormalities are identified
Dental Referral for dental assessment for any dental issuesIf not done as part of cleft assessment
Neurodevelopment/
Behavior
  • Developmental assessment particularly for children w/visual &/or hearing problems
  • Assessment for depression, attention dysregulation, autism, intellectual disability
Cardiac Echocardiogram in those w/murmur or cardiac symptoms
Genetic counseling By genetics professionals 2To inform affected persons & their families re nature, MOI, & implications of BOFS to facilitate medical & personal decision making
Family support
& resources
Assess need for:

BOFS = branchiooculofacial syndrome; MOI = mode of inheritance

1.
2.

Medical geneticist, certified genetic counselor, certified advanced genetic nurse

From: Branchiooculofacial Syndrome

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