Prader-Willi Syndrome
By: Chloe Anderson
What is it?
The Prader-Willi Syndrome is a congenital disease that affects many parts of the body. Normally it is not fatal, but could be if the person grows to be obese. About 1 in every 10,000-30,000 people could end up with this disease. It starts from birth, and there is no cure.
Symptoms of the Syndrome
There are many symptoms and characteristics of this disease at birth:
- poor muscle tone
- distinct facial features
- lack of eye coordination
- poor responsiveness
- food craving
- underdeveloped sex organ
- poor growth and physical development
- behavior problems
- speech problems
- intellectual problems
- scoliosis
- sleep disorders
Everyone who has this, Suffers Differently
Genetics
Where can you get this from?
Prader-Willi Syndrome is not inherited by parents, but is genetic mistake in the body. It is caused by a deletion in chromosome 15. The Karyotype shows that chromosome 15 doesn't function properly.
Discovery of the PWS
Andrea Prader and Heinrich Willi, along with the help of Alexis Labart discovered the syndrome in 1956. They started seeing unfamiliar signs in children that have never been seen before. They did some testing and lab work and discovered the Prader-Willi Syndrome
Genetic Testing
In my honest opinion I believe that genetic testing is wrong for women expecting a child. If they found out that it is likely the baby would be born with a disease, the mother may not be able to afford the expenses and abort the baby. Killing a child could mean killing a future star quarterback, future President, or a create a cure for the disease they already have. I do not believe genetic testing is right.