Prader-Willi syndrome is disease that is present from birth (congenital). People with this condition are obese, have reduced muscle tone and mental ability, and have sex glands that produce little or no hormones.
Prader-Willi syndrome is caused by a gene missing on part of chromosome 15. Normally, your parents each pass down a copy of this chromosome. Most patients with Prader-Willi syndrome are missing the genetic material on part of the father's chromosome. The rest of patients with this condition often have two copies of the mother's chromosome 15.
The genetic changes occur randomly. Patients usually do not have a family history of the condition.
Newborns with this disorder:
Other symptoms include:
Affected children have an intense craving for food and will do almost anything to get it. This results in uncontrollable weight gain and morbid obesity. Morbid obesity may lead to lung failure, which includes low blood oxygen levels, right-sided heart failure, and death.
Signs of Prader-Willi syndrome may be seen at birth. Newborns with the condition are often small and very floppy. Male infants may have undescended testicles.
As the child grows older, laboratory tests may show signs of morbid obesity, such as:
There may also be signs of right-sided heart failure and knee and hip problems.
Infants may need a feeding tube to help with weight gain.
Obesity is the greatest threat to health. Limiting calories will control the obesity but the family, neighbors, and school must work together closely, because the child will try to get food wherever possible. Exercise can increase lean body mass in children with Prader-Willi syndrome.
Growth hormone has also been shown to improve physical strength and agility in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome. There have been some concerns about the effect of GH on lung function in children with this condition. Parents should discuss the possible side effects with the child's doctor.
A very small penis in the male infant may be corrected with testosterone.
Low levels of sex hormones may be corrected at puberty with hormone replacement.
Children with this condition will need behavioral therapy.
For additional resources and support, see:
The person will need the right education for his or her IQ level. Controlling weight will allow for a much more comfortable and healthy life.
Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of this condition. The disorder is frequently suspected at birth.
Saitta SC, Ackai EH. Specific chromosome disorders in newborns. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 20.
McCandless SE; Committee on Genetics. Clinical report -- health supervision for children with Prader-Willi syndrome. Pediatrics. 2011; 127(1):195-204.
Reviewed by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Notice: The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.