Ask Nurse Lynn: Fevers with PWS

Question:

Female, 2 years old, unknown subtype

My daughter has had a very high fever for the last two days. There are lots of viral things going around here so I am thinking that it is that. Is it normal that kids with PWS get fevers? I have read before that usually they don’t break out in a fever.

Nurse Lynn’s Response:

You’re correct that many children with PWS have an impaired temperature regulation system, because of the involvement of the hypothalamus, which can sometimes lead to reduced or absent fevers even during infections. However, some children with PWS do still develop fevers.

A persistent high fever for two days could indicate a viral infection, as you suspect, but since fever can be less common in PWS, it’s important to monitor other symptoms carefully.

Consult her doctor if the fever persists beyond 3 days and seek immediate medical if she becomes unusually weak, unresponsive, or shows difficulty breathing.

Resources:

Resources: Medical Issues A-Z – Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

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