Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome is a genetic, developmental condition caused by genetic changes in the KMT2A gene (previously known as the MLL gene). It affects multiple body systems and is present from birth. Main features of Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome include developmental delay, intellectual disability, short stature, certain facial features and excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis).

Below on this page is some information about this condition as well as links to useful resources for Australians living with a rare disease.

Synonyms: Hypertrichosis-short stature-facial dysmorphism-developmental delay syndrome, KTM2A-related neurodevelopmental disorder, WSS.

Universal rare disease classifications provide a common language for recording, reporting and monitoring diseases. Please visit the Rare Disease Classifications page for more information about these internationally recognised classifications.

Rare diseases typically display a high level of symptom complexity. There is often a wide range of symptoms and the symptoms may vary between individuals in terms of its presentation, severity, duration and impact.

Please speak to your medical team to learn more about the symptoms of this condition.

Rare diseases are often serious and progressive, exhibiting a high degree of symptom complexity, leading to significant disability. Majority of the estimated two million Australians living with a rare disease meet the Australian Government’s definition for disability (in accordance to the Australian Public Service Commission and Australian Bureau of Statistics), and many experience severe and permanent disability impacts. If you or someone you care for is experiencing disability-related impacts from a rare condition, please speak with a health or disability professional for advice. Information about relevant disability support can be found at the RARE Portal’s Disability Support Information page.

Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome is a genetic condition. It is caused by disease-causing genetic changes (variants) in the KMT2A gene (previously known as MLL gene) on chromosome 11. KMT2A gene controls other genes involved in early development. In Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, the KMT2A gene variants affect growth and developmental pathways in the body.

For most individuals with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, their genetic variant in KMT2A gene occurs randomly (de novo) prior to birth and is not passed down (inherited) from their parents. In some cases, the genetic variant is inherited from their parents in an autosomal dominant manner. This means that having a genetic variant in just one of the KTM2A gene copies can result in Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome. More information on autosomal dominant inheritance pattern can be found at Centre for Genetics Education: Autosomal dominant inheritance.

If you would like to learn more about the inheritance and impact of this condition, please ask your doctor for a referral to a genetic counsellor. Genetic counsellors are qualified allied health professionals who can provide information and support regarding genetic conditions and testing. More information about genetic counselling can be found at:

• Information on Genetic Services
• The National and State Services pages underneath the ‘Genetic Counselling’ sections listed

A timely diagnosis is critical for better patient outcomes, the provision of the best possible care and treatment options, access to services and support, increased reproductive confidence and the ability to participate in clinical trials.

Please speak to your medical team to learn more about the available diagnostic pathways for this condition.

Please speak to your medical team to learn more about the possible treatment or management options for your condition. Treatment will depend on an individual’s specific condition and symptoms. It is also important to stay connected to your medical team so that you can be made aware of any upcoming clinical trial opportunities. For many rare diseases, treatment options may be limited. Participation in a clinical trial may provide access to new or emerging therapies.

Healthcare professionals involved in the care of individuals with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome may include general practitioners (GP), neurologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, gynaecologists, nephrologists, ophthalmologists, orthopaedic specialists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech pathologists. The need for different healthcare professionals may change over a person’s lifetime and extend beyond those listed here.

Clinical care for rare diseases often involves a multidisciplinary team of medical, care and support professionals. Please note that the information provided here is as a guide and that RVA does not necessarily monitor or endorse specific clinics or health experts.

This may not be applicable to all rare diseases but for many, palliative care services may be relevant and useful. Palliative care services are available for people (adults, children and their families) living with a life-limiting illness and is not only for end-of-life care. It can also help at any stage of illness from diagnosis onwards, and will look different for different people. Palliative care services provide assistance, support, resources and tools to help people manage their illness and the symptoms, ease pain, and improve comfort and quality of life. If this is relevant to you and you wish to find out more information about palliative care and how it can help you, please visit:

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Palliative care Overview
• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Palliative care
• Palliative Care Australia

ORPHA:319182 Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome

There is no known ICD-11 code for this condition.

If you know of any relevant care guidelines, please let us know via the Contribute page.

Individuals living with rare diseases may have complex medical issues and disabilities, which are not always visible. It is often useful to refer to their medical history as well as personal information such as a medical card, doctor’s letter, or if available, a rare disease passport, for relevant information.

In addition, individuals, their parents, families and carers often develop extensive expertise on their specific rare disease. It is important to recognise that they can contribute valuable knowledge about their rare condition. Rare diseases often impact individuals differently, so it’s important to consider a person’s lived experience.

If you know of any relevant emergency management guidelines or information relevant to emergency care, please let us know via the Contribute page.

There are specific considerations around participating in rare disease research, including clinical trials. It is important to be mindful of issues such as data privacy, research ethics, consent and differences in research regulations between Australia and other countries. For more information, please visit the RARE Portal’s Considerations for Participating in Health and Medical Research page.

If you are interested in finding clinical trials for your condition, please visit the following websites; however, there may not be any clinical trials available:

• Australian Clinical Trials
• ClinicalTrials.gov

It is best to discuss your interest in research, including clinical trials,  with your medical team to determine suitability and eligibility.

We are not aware of any rare disease organisations for Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome in Australia. If you are aware of any Australian organisations, please let us know via the Contribute page.

International Organisations:

National Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome (NWSS) Warriors (United Kingdom)
Website: https://nwsswarriors.org.uk/

Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WSS) Foundation (United States of America)
Website: https://www.wssfoundation.org/

Please note that RVA does not monitor or endorse each group/organisation’s operational governance and activities. When engaging with a group, please consider the information on the RARE Portal’s Finding Helpful Peer and Community Supports page.

Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome varies between individuals, and each person’s experience is unique.

NWSS Warriors: Inspiring WSS Journeys has personal stories of people living with WSS.

If you would like to share your personal story with RVA, please visit the Rare Voices Australia: Share Your Story page. RVA will consider your story for publishing on our website and inclusion on the RARE Portal.

For information on available government and social services that provide support for individuals with a rare disease, please visit the National and State Services pages.

People living with a rare disease often face unique challenges such as diagnostic delays, misdiagnoses, limited treatment options, and limited access to rare disease specialists and support. These challenges may impact people’s emotional wellbeing and quality of life. Many find it helpful to seek mental health and wellbeing support to cope with ongoing stress and uncertainty. Connecting with people who have shared experiences through a support group may also be helpful. Information about relevant mental health and wellbeing support can be found at:

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support for Australians Living with a Rare Disease
• The National and State Services pages underneath the ‘Mental Health’ sections listed

Further information on Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome can be found at:

• NSW Government Centre for Genetics Education: Health conditions caused by changes in the KMT2A gene
• Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center: Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome
• Unique: Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome (WSS)

GeneReviews®: Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, OMIM®: #605130 Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome; WDSTS

Orphanet: Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome

Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO): Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome

This page has been developed by Rare Voices Australia (RVA)’s RARE Portal team.

If you are aware of any additional information that may benefit stakeholders with an interest in this page, or if you notice any broken links or inaccurate information, please let us know via the Contribute page.