CHARGE syndrome: a review of the literature

CHARGE (Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia of the choanal, Retarded growth and development, Genital abnormalities, Ear anomalies and deafness) syndrome is a combination of multiple congenital abnormality. With the previous data which has been reported, most cases of CHARGE syndrome were liked to heterozygous mutations in the gene CHD7, encoding the CHD (chromodomain helicase DNA binding domain) member CHD7. Owing to the misleading by common features with other anomaly syndromes and the insufficient CHARGE syndrome, the diagnostic rate of this disease is quite low. In this review authors summarize the recent developments in phenotypic features, diagnosis, aetiology and clinical management of CHARGE syndrome. Key words: CHARGE syndrome; Diagnosis; Pathogenesis; CHD7