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. 2019 Feb;179(2):196-205.
doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.60688. Epub 2018 Dec 19.

Contributing factors of mortality in Prader-Willi syndrome

Jennifer Proffitt  1   2 , Kathryn Osann  3 , Barbara McManus  4 , Virginia E Kimonis  1 , Janalee Heinemann  4 , Merlin G Butler  5 , David A Stevenson  6 , June-Anne Gold  1   7   8
Affiliations

Contributing factors of mortality in Prader-Willi syndrome

Jennifer Proffitt et al. Am J Med Genet A. 2019 Feb.

Abstract

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multi-system disorder resulting from a lack of paternal gene expression in the 15q11.2-q13 region. Using databases compiled through response questionnaires completed by families known to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA), this study tested the hypothesis that PWS genetic subtype, BMI, age of diagnosis, clinical symptoms, and growth hormone treatment differ among deceased and living individuals with PWS. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using chi-square and two-group t tests, respectively. Deceased individuals had higher rates of clinical features, including increased weight concerns, heart problems, sleep apnea, other respiratory complications, diabetes, osteoporosis, high pain tolerance, and severe skin picking, when compared to living individuals. Meanwhile, living individuals had higher rates of growth hormone use and early puberty. Obesity and subsequent consequences are the primary contributors to increased mortality in PWS. Additional emphasis on areas to decrease mortality is needed.

Keywords: Prader-Willi syndrome; cardiac and respiratory failure; growth hormone; mortality; obesity.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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