Prader-Willi syndrome
Prader-Willi syndrome is a disease that is present from birth (congenital). It affects many parts of the body. People with this condition feel hungry all the time and become obese. They also have poor muscle tone, reduced mental ability, and underdeveloped sex organs.
Prader-Willi syndrome is caused by a missing gene on chromosome 15. Normally, parents each pass down a copy of this chromosome. The syndrome can occur in a couple of ways:
- The father's genes are missing on chromosome 15
- There are variations with the father's genes on chromosome 15
- There are two copies of the mother's chromosome 15 and none from the father
These genetic changes occur randomly. People who have this syndrome usually do not have a family history of the condition.
Symptoms
Signs of Prader-Willi syndrome may be seen at birth.
- Newborns are often small and floppy with reduced muscle tone
- Male infants may have undescended testicles
Other symptoms may include:
- Trouble feeding as an infant, with poor weight gain
- Almond-shaped eyes
- Delayed muscle and motor function development
- Narrowed head at the temples
- Rapid weight gain
- Short stature
- Slow mental development
- Very small hands and feet in comparison to the child's body
Children have an intense craving for food. They will do almost anything to get food, including hoarding. This can result in rapid weight gain and morbid obesity. Morbid obesity may lead to:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Joint and lung problems
Exams and Tests
Genetic testing is available to test children for Prader-Willi syndrome.
As the child grows older, lab tests may show signs of morbid obesity, such as:
- Abnormal glucose tolerance
- High insulin level in the blood
- Low oxygen level in the blood
Children with this syndrome may not respond to luteinizing hormone-releasing factor. This is a sign that their sex organs are not producing hormones. There also may be signs of right-sided heart failure and knee and hip problems.
Treatment
Obesity is the greatest threat to health. Limiting calories will control weight gain. It is also important to control your child's environment to prevent access to food. Your child's family, neighbors, and school must work together, because your child will try to get food wherever possible. Exercise can help a child with Prader-Willi syndrome gain muscle.
Growth hormone is used to treat Prader-Willi syndrome. It can help:
- Build strength and agility
- Improve height
- Increase muscle mass and decrease body fat
- Improve weight distribution
- Increase stamina
- Increase bone density
Taking growth hormone therapy may lead to sleep apnea. A child who takes hormone therapy needs to be monitored for sleep apnea.
Low levels of sex hormones may be corrected at puberty with hormone replacement.
Mental health and behavioral counseling are also important. This can help with common problems such as skin picking and compulsive behaviors. Sometimes, medicine to treat mental health conditions may be needed.
Support Groups
The following organizations can provide resources and support:
- Prader-Willi Syndrome Association -- www.pwsausa.org
- Foundation for Prader-Willi Research -- www.fpwr.org
Outlook (Prognosis)
The child will need the right education for their IQ level. The child will also need speech, physical, and occupational therapy as early as possible. Controlling weight will allow for a much more comfortable and healthy life.
Possible Complications
Complications of Prader-Willi can include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Right-sided heart failure
- Bone (orthopedic) problems
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if your child has symptoms of this condition. The disorder is frequently suspected at birth.
References
Cooke DW, DiVall SA, Radovick S. Normal and aberrant growth in children. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 25.
Escobar O, Gurunca N, Viswanathan P, Witchel SF. Pediatric endocrinology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 9.
Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, Deyrup AT, Das A. Genetic and pediatric diseases. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, Deyrup AT, Das A, eds. Robbins and Kumar Basic Pathology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.
Review Date: 4/17/2024
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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