When a kid is born with Prader-Willi syndrome, the newborn’s metabolism is disrupted, resulting in physical and behavioral alterations in the youngster. Weak muscular tone and a reduced capacity to feed are among the symptoms. Behavior management and supportive therapy are used to treat Prader-Willi syndrome, which is a neurological disorder.
Risk Factors
There are no recognized risk factors for this condition. It is possible that 1 percent of the population has a family history.
Symptoms
- Some physical characteristics of patients with PWS include:
- Eyelid holes in the form of an almond
- A misalignment of the eyes
- A thin upper lip is a good thing.
- A mouth with a downward slant
- A small bridge between the brows
- Hands and feet that are too small
Other signs and symptoms of PWS might vary as a kid grows older.
Infants may be affected by the following conditions:
- Having difficulties with nutrition and slow development
- The sound of a faint, squeaky cry
- Sleepiness
Toddlers may have:
- a delay in normal development like language and walking
- Temper outbursts and stubbornness
- Short stature relative to familial peers
- Added hunger
Older children may be affected by the following:
- The hunger that is insatiable
- Anger and a lack of adaptability
- Transitions are a source of contention.
- Mood fluctuations are common.
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- Problems with learning
- Fatigue
- Problems with sleep
- Pain can be tolerated at a high level.
- Temperature extremes are difficult to detect because of technical difficulties.
Causes
PWS is genetic. The anomaly was discovered on chromosome 15, but not the genes implicated. Except for sex genes, all human genes are paired. The paternal gene comes from the father, whereas the maternal gene comes from the mother. Several paternal genes on chromosome 15 are absent or dysfunctional in PWS. This genetic mutation affects the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus regulates thirst and hunger. Hemoglobin is a hormone that promotes sexual development and PWS-like symptoms can emerge if the hypothalamus is injured by a head accident, tumor, or surgery. The individual with a malfunctioning hypothalamus may have some of the same behavioral issues as PWS, such as frequent food desires.
The same therapy given for PWS can benefit those with acquired symptoms.
Treatment
There is no remedy for this disease. Symptom management will necessitate ongoing care for the rest of one’s life. Here are a few ideas:
- ensure the child’s healthy weight and caloric intake by providing nutritional assistance.
- Making lifestyle adjustments, such as exercising on a daily basis
- For children with developmental delays, a combination of physical, speech, and occupational therapy can assist.
- service of special education
- Hormone therapy to restore a healthy height
- Helping children grow and develop with hormone replacement treatment
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms:
- baby feeding issues
- awakening issues
- unresponsiveness to normal stimuli
- swaying while held
- a child’s insatiable hunger
- weigh-in quickly
The incessant need for food and fast weight increase is further warning flags. But there are usually additional indicators, and most children with similar characteristics do not have PWS.