Johanson-Blizzard Syndrome

Johanson-Blizzard syndrome (JBS) is a very rare condition that affects multiple parts of the body. The severity, signs and symptoms of JBS may vary among affected individuals. Many symptoms are present at birth or early childhood. Characteristic features include intestinal malabsorption of fats and other nutrients due to abnormal development of the pancreas (pancreatic insufficiency); failure to thrive, contributing to short stature; abnormalities of permanent teeth; distinctive skull and facial features; and/or varying degrees of intellectual disability. JBS can be caused by changes (mutations) in the UBR1 gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.The treatment focuses on the specific symptoms that are present in each individual and may include pancreatic enzyme supplements (e.g., oral pancreatin) and vitamin supplements.