Prader-Willi Syndrome Basic Facts

The genetic cause is loss of yet unidentified genes normally contributed by the father. Occurs from three main genetic errors: Approximately 70% of cases have a non-inherited deletion in the paternally contributed chromosome 15; approximately 25% have maternal uniparental disomy (UPD)—two maternal 15s and no paternal chromosome 15; and 2–5 % have an error in the "imprinting" process that renders the paternal contribution nonfunctional.

Diagnostic testing: Individuals who have a number of the clinical findings should be referred for genetic testing. DNA methylation analysis confirms diagnosis of PWS. FISH and DNA techniques can identify the specific genetic cause and associated recurrence risk. (See ASHG/ACMG Report, Am J Hum Genet 58: 1085, 1996.) Patients who had negative or inconclusive tests with older techniques should be retested.

Recurrence risk: Significant only for rare cases with imprinting mutations, translocations, or inversions. All families should receive
genetic counseling.

Major Clinical Findings

The following common characteristics of individuals with PWS raise suspicion of the diagnosis. Published diagnostic criteria include supportive findings and a scoring system (Holm et al, Pediatrics 91, 2, 1993).

Neonatal and infantile central hypotonia, improving with age
Feeding problems and poor weight gain in infancy
Excessive or rapid weight gain between 1 and 6 years of age; central obesity in the absence of intervention
Distinctive facial features—dolichocephaly in infants, narrow face/bifrontal diameter, almond-shaped eyes, small-appearing mouth with thin upper lip and down-turned corners of mouth
Hypogonadism—genital hypoplasia, including undescended testes
and small penis in males; delayed or incomplete gonadal maturation
and delayed pubertal signs after age 16, including scant or no
menses in women
Global developmental delay before age 6; mild to moderate mental
retardation or learning problems in older children
Hyperphagia/food foraging/obsession with food

Minor Clinical Findings:

Decreased fetal movement, infantile lethargy, weak cry
Characteristic behavior problems—temper tantrums, violent outbursts, obsessive/compulsive behavior; tendency to be argumentative, oppositional, rigid, manipulative, possessive, and stubborn; perseverating, stealing, lying
Sleep disturbance or sleep apnea
Short stature for genetic background by age 15
Hypopigmentation—fair skin and hair compared with family
Small hands and/or feet for height age
Narrow hands with straight ulnar border
Eye abnormalities (esotropia, myopia)
Thick, viscous saliva with crusting at corners of the mouth
Speech articulation defects
Skin picking

Hypothalamic dysfunction is thought to be the cause of the disordered appetite/satiety function characteristic of PWS. Compulsive eating and obsession with food usually begin before age 6. The urge to eat is physiological and overwhelming; it is difficult to control and requires constant vigilance.

Compounding the pressure of excessive appetite is a decreased calorie utilization in those with PWS (typically 1,000-1,200 kcal per day for adults), due to low muscle mass and inactivity. A balanced, low-calorie diet with vitamin and calcium supplementation is recommended. Regular weigh-ins and periodic diet review are needed. The best meal and snack plan is one the family or caregiver is able to apply routinely and consistently. Weight control depends on external food restriction and may require locking the kitchen and food storage areas. Daily exercise (at least 30 minutes) also is essential for weight control and health.

To date, no medication or surgical intervention has been found that would eliminate the need for strict dieting and supervision around food. GH treatment, because it increases muscle mass and function, may allow a higher daily calorie level.

Infants and young children with PWS are typically happy and loving, and exhibit few behavior problems. Most older children and adults with PWS, however, do have difficulties with behavior regulation, manifested as difficulties with transitions and unanticipated changes. Onset of behavioral symptoms usually coincides with onset of hyperphagia (although not all problem behaviors are food-related), and difficulties peak in adolescence or early adulthood. Daily routines and structure, firm rules and limits, "time out," and positive rewards work best for behavior management. Psychotropic medications—particularly serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine and sertroline—are beneficial in treating obsessive-compulsive (OCD) symptoms, perseveration, and mood swings. Depression in adults is not uncommon. Psychotic episodes occur rarely.

Motor milestones are typically delayed one to two years; although hypotonia improves, deficits in strength, coordination, balance, and motor planning may continue. Physical and occupational therapies help promote skill development and proper function. Foot orthoses may be needed. Growth hormone treatment, by increasing muscle mass, may improve motor skills. Exercise and sports activities should be encouraged and adaptations made, as needed. Proficiency with jigsaw puzzles is frequently reported, reflecting strong visual-perceptual skills.

Hypotonia may create feeding problems, poor oral-motor skills, and delayed speech. The need for speech therapy should be assessed in infancy. Sign language and picture communication boards can be used to reduce frustration and aid communication. Products to increase saliva may help articulation problems. Social skills training can improve pragmatic language use. Even with delays, verbal ability often becomes an area of strength for children with PWS. In rare cases, speech is severely affected.

IQs range from 40 to 105, with an average of 70. Those with normal IQs typically have learning disabilities. Problem areas may include attention, short-term auditory memory, and abstract thinking. Common strengths include long-term memory, reading ability, and receptive language. Early infant stimulation should be encouraged and the need for special education services and supports assessed in preschool and beyond.

Failure to thrive in infancy may necessitate tube feeding. Infants should be closely monitored for adequate calorie intake and appropriate weight gain. Growth hormone is typically deficient, causing short stature, lack of pubertal growth spurt, and a high body fat ratio, even in those with normal weight. The need for GH therapy should be assessed in both children and adults.

Sex hormone levels (testosterone and estrogen) are typically low. Cryptorchidism in male infants may require surgery. Both sexes have good response to treatment for hormone deficiencies, although side effects have been reported. Early pubic hair is common, but puberty is usually late in onset and incomplete.

Although it is often assumed that individuals with PWS are infertile, several pregnancies have been confirmed. Sexually active individuals should be counseled regarding risk of pregnancy and of genetic error in offspring (50%, except for those with PWS due to UPD). Basic sex education is important in all cases to promote good health and protect against abuse

General health is usually good in individuals with PWS. If weight is controlled, life expectancy may be normal, and the individual’s health and functioning can be maximized.

The constant need for food restriction and behavior management may be stressful for family members. PWSA (USA) can provide information and support. Family counseling may also be needed.

Adolescents and adults with PWS can function well in group and supported living programs, if the necessary diet control and structured environment are provided. Employment in sheltered workshops and other highly structured and supervised settings is successful for many. Residential and vocational providers must be fully informed regarding management of PWS.

Basic Facts About PWS: