Prader Willie Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects many different parts of the body. Early signs of the condition include:
- Feeding difficulties in infancy
- Weak muscle tone
- Poor growth
- Delayed development
Children develop big appetites and an uncontrollable urge to eat between ages 2 and 4. This leads to chronic overeating. Some children become obese and develop Type 2 diabetes.
Other issues caused by Prader-Willie syndrome include:
- Mild to moderate intellectual impairment
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral problems
- Short stature
- Almond-shaped eyes
- Narrow forehead
- Small hands and feet
- Underdeveloped genitals
- Delayed or incomplete puberty
Treatments focus on maintaining optimum health through:
- Growth hormone replacement to build strength, improve height and muscle mass
- Exercise and therapy to build strength and maintain weight
- Mental health and behavioral counseling
- Hormone replacement at puberty
Turner Syndrome affects girls and impacts their development. Turner syndrome involves low levels of growth hormone that can lead to:
- Short stature
- Webbed neck
- Swollen hands and feet
- Infertility
Children with Turner Syndrome are at risk for other health issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid problems
Treatments for Turner Syndrome include:
- Growth hormone replacement to obtain close-to-average height.
- Hormone replacement at puberty to boost sexual development.