Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects many parts of the body. It is caused by a missing or nonfunctioning piece of chromosome 15, which can occur randomly or be inherited from a parent. Symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome can vary, but some common ones include:
- Weak muscle tone (hypotonia) in infancy
- Feeding difficulties and poor growth in infancy
- Excessive appetite and food craving, leading to obesity if not managed
- Short stature and small genitals
- Cognitive challenges, with measured IQs ranging from low normal to moderate intellectual disability
- Speech problems, including delayed speech and poor articulation
- Behavioral problems, such as stubbornness, anger, and manipulativeness
- Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea
There is no cure for Prader-Willi syndrome, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include strict supervision of diet, physical activity, growth hormone treatment, and management of associated health problems such as sleep apnea.