Prader- Willi Syndrome
Carrie Kumiega, Melanie Hernandez
Definition
Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic condition related to a defeat is chromosome number 15. It affects 1 in every 10,000 to 25,000 live births and the most common genetic cause of life-threatening obesity. It is an autosomal recessive disorder. It affects males and females equally.
Symtoms
The symptoms/characteristics are the person can have developmental delay, poor muscle tone, short stature and unique facial features. People with this genetic disorder can overeat, have a lack of desire to exercise and a slow metabolism. This gives them a high risk of obesity. The average age of onset is when they are babies. When babies they may have problems with sucking and eating that can lead to finding a “Failure to thrive. Then at 6-12 months old, the children develop an uncontrollable appetite and this causes them to never feel full.
Treatments
There are therapies to improve muscle tone at infancy. During childhood, adolescence, and adulthood their treatment is mostly focused on weight control. Strict control of food intake is crucial to prevent severe obesity. Growth therapy has proved to improve the poor muscle tissue and height.
Affects
Most common known genetic cause of obesity in children. At birth they have a low birth weight and weak muscles. They also have an extreme and unsatisfied drive to consume food. They may also include some behavioral issues and medical issues.
What have scientists been doing about this disorder?
Although there is no cure, most research up to date has been targeted towards treating specific symptoms such as obesity and poor muscle tone.
Works Citied
"Prader-Willi Syndrome." Foundation for Prader-Willi Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2015. <http://www.fpwr.org/about-prader-willi-syndrome/>.
"Prader-Willi Syndrome." World of Genetics. N.p.: n.p., 2007. Gale Science in Context. Web. 18 Mar. 2015.
Prader- Willi Syndrome Association. Prader- Willi Syndrome Association (USA),
n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2015. <http://www.pwsausa.org/about-pws/
prader-willi-syndrome-pws>.