Prader Willie Syndrome and Turner Syndrome

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.