Clefts

Velocardiofacial Syndrome

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

Although genetic testing is available for VCFS, it usually is diagnosed by physical examination at birth. VCFS can exhibit different characteristics in different children, and therefore it is important that a knowledgeable team of specialists evaluate a child so that nothing is overlooked.

Shortly after birth, the child should be seen by a nurse from the Craniofacial Center, who will make sure he or she is able to adequately feed and breathe since swallowing problems are common in babies with VCFS.

Within the first two months of life, the infant should be seen for a full craniofacial team evaluation so that appropriate referrals can be made to treat the child's unique needs. Heart defects should be diagnosed and treated by an experienced pediatric cardiologist. Immune deficiencies should be diagnosed and treated by an experienced pediatric endocrinologist.

VCFS should be diagnosed and treated by an experienced team of experts recognized by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, like the Center for Craniofacial Anomalies at UCSF.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007