Prader Willi Syndrome
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
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General Discussion
Summary
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic multisystem disorder characterized during infancy by lethargy, diminished muscle tone (hypotonia), feeding difficulties, and poor weight gain. In childhood, features of this disorder include short stature, small genitals and an excessive appetite because affected individuals do not feel satisfied after completing a mean (satiety). Without intervention, this can lead to overeating and the gradual onset of obesity. The food compulsion requires constant supervision. Individuals with severe obesity may have an increased risk of cardiac insufficiency, sleep apnea, diabetes, and other serious conditions that can cause life-threatening complications. All individuals with PWS have some cognitive impairment that ranges from low normal intelligence with learning disabilities to mild to moderate intellectual disability. Behavioral problems are common and can include temper tantrums, obsessive/compulsive behavior, and skin picking. Motor milestones and language development are often delayed. PWS occurs due to abnormalities affecting certain genes in a specific region of chromosome 15. These abnormalities usually result from random (sporadic) errors in development, but are sometimes inherited.
Introduction
Originally described in the medical literature in 1956, PWS is the first disorder confirmed to be due to imprinting errors (see Causes section). It is the most common genetic cause of life-threatening childhood obesity. The disorder was once known as hypogonadism, hypotonia, hypomentia, obesity (HHHO).
Supporting Organizations
Foundation for Prader-Willi Syndrome
- 5455 Wilshire Blvd
- Suite 2020
- Los Angeles, CA 90036
- Tel: (760)536-3027
- Fax: (888)559-4105
- Email: info@fpwr.org
- Website: http://www.fpwr.org
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
International Prader Willi Syndrome Organization
- c/o Baschirotto Institute for Rare Diseases (BIRD)
- Via Bartolomeo Bizio, 1
- Costozza (VI), 36023
- Italy
- Tel: 390444555557
- Fax: 390444555557
- Email: g.fornas@alice.it
- Website: http://www.ipwso.org
March of Dimes
- 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
- White Plains, NY 10605
- Tel: (914)997-4488
- Fax: (914)997-4763
- Email: AskUs@marchofdimes.org or preguntas@nacersano.org
- Website: http://www.marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org
Medical Home Portal
- Dept. of Pediatrics
- University of Utah
- Salt Lake City, UT 84158
- Tel: (801)587-9978
- Fax: (801)581-3899
- Email: mindy.tueller@utah.edu
- Website: http://www.medicalhomeportal.org
NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- 31 Center Dr
- Building 31, Room 2A32
- Bethesda, MD 20892
- Fax: (866)760-5947
- Tel: (800)370-2943
- Email: NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov
- Website: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/
Prader-Willi France
- 10 Rue Charles Clement
- Mondrepuis, F02500
- France
- Tel: 33323987904
- Fax: 33323987904
- Email: jean-yves.belliard@wanadoo.fr
- Website: http://www.perso.wanadoo.fr/pwillifr
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (UK)
- 125A London Rd
- Derby, DE1 2QQ
- United Kingdom
- Fax: 1332360401
- Tel: 1332365676
- Email: admin@pwsa.co.uk
- Website: http://www.pwsa.co.uk
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA)
- 8588 Potter Park Drive, Suite 500
- Sarasota, FL 34238
- USA
- Tel: (941)312-0400
- Fax: (941)312-0142
- Tel: (800)926-4797
- Email: webmaster1@pwsausa.org
- Website: http://www.pwsausa.org
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
Last Updated: 5/31/2012
Copyright 2012 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
