A crippling and life-threatening disease
As infants with PWS transition to childhood, an insatiable, uncontrollable appetite is one of the most common symptoms.
It is estimated that one in 10,000 to 30,000 people worldwide suffer from Prader-Willi syndrome.
People who suffer from Prader-Willi Syndrome have distinctive physical features.
The syndrome was first discovered in 1956 by Swiss doctors Andrea Prader, Alexis Labhart, and Heinrich Willi.
Like autism and ADHD, the syndrome has a spectrum and different people are affected to a different degree.
The condition is caused by the loss of function of some genetic material in a group of genes on chromosome number 15.
PWS affects the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain that controls functions such as hunger, emotions, pain, and body temperature.
Babies who suffer from PWS also present feeding difficulties and are usually unable to breastfeed.
Generally, no. It’s mostly the result of random occurrences, but there are cases where PWS can reoccur within a family.
As mentioned, Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder that can manifest itself through a number of physical symptoms, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
This chronic overeating (hyperphagia) can lead to obesity and consequently lead children to develop conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
People with PWS are usually short in stature and have small hands and feet, with some also suffering from scoliosis.
Hyperphagia can also contribute to respiratory difficulties and even heart failure, linked to obesity.
Another symptom is compulsive behavior. Skin picking, for instance, is common.
Difficulty controlling emotions has also been identified as a symptom in those suffering from PWS.
PWS sufferers can also experience sleep disturbances. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom.
Both male and female sufferers have underdeveloped g e n i t a l s, and most are infertile.
Learning difficulties and behavioral problems are among the most common symptoms. These include temper outbursts and stubbornness.
Parents might need to seek help from dieticians, therapists, and other physicians.
Organizations such as the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research are conducting studies and exploring alternatives such as genetic therapy.
Sources: (Foundation for Prader-Willi Research) (MedlinePlus) (NHS) (Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK)
Some children might require specific hormonal treatments to support muscle growth, such as growth hormone injections.
There is no cure for PWS. There are, however, ways to manage some of the symptoms.
The syndrome is diagnosed through a blood test called a methylation analysis.
Adults with PWS are at a higher risk for mental illness.
Managing weight and diet are of utmost importance, but so is the management of the mental symptoms.
The first symptoms usually include decreased muscle tone (hypotonia) and delayed growth and development.
The syndrome affects both males and females and all races and ethnicities with equal frequency.
Those with Prader-Willi syndrome can also have characteristic facial features, including a narrow forehead, almond-shaped eyes, and a triangular mouth.
You're probably wondering why you've never heard about Prader-Willi syndrome before. There is a simple reason for it, and that is that it's quite rare. Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic condition that can affect anyone, and manifest itself through physical symptoms, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. But there is one particular symptom that this rare symptom is known for: an insatiable appetite.
Click through the following gallery and learn more about Prader-Willi syndrome.
Prader-Willi syndrome: the rare condition affecting infants and children
This rare symptom is known for: an insatiable appetite
HEALTH Genetic disorder
You're probably wondering why you've never heard about Prader-Willi syndrome before. There is a simple reason for it, and that is that it's quite rare. Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic condition that can affect anyone, and manifest itself through physical symptoms, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. But there is one particular symptom that this rare symptom is known for: an insatiable appetite.
Click through the following gallery and learn more about Prader-Willi syndrome.