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Prader-Willi Syndrome

Daniel R. Matta, MD and Gillian S. R. Richmond, MD, BSc Reviewed 06/2021
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic syndrome characterized by the following: 
  • Severe hypotonia and poor feeding in early infancy followed by hyperphagia and obesity (unless eatin...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Decreased fetal movement and SGA prevalent in PWS pregnancies. Breech positioning may be noted, and 3rd trimester ultrasound may show flexed wrists and dorsi-extended feet with flexed...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Behavior modification is the mainstay of treatment with the goal to increase independence and reduce morbidity. 
  • Restricted access to food and maintaining daily routines

  • Diet a...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Screen infants for strabismus.

  • Use of specialized growth charts for routine monitoring of height, weight, and BMI

  • Screen for DM if BMI is >95th...

REFERENCES

1
Gunay-Aygun  M, Schwartz  S, Heeger  S, et al. The changing purpose of Prader-Willi syndrome clinical diagnostic criteria and proposed revised criteria. Pediatrics....

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Butler  MG, Lee  J, Manzardo  AM, et al. Growth charts for non-growth hormone treated Prader-Willi syndrome. Pediatrics.  2015;135(1):e126–e135. [Vie...

CODES

ICD10

Q87.1 Congenital malform syndromes predom assoc w short stature 

SNOMED

89392001 Prader-Willi syndrome (disorder) 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • PWS is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations on the paternal chromosome 15.

  • Characterized by hypotonia in early infancy followed by hyperphagia and behavior problems beginning in ...

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