Saturday, April 7, 2012

Williams syndrome

 Children with syndrome have a distinctive, "elfin" facial appearance, along with a low nasal bridge, an unusually cheerful demeanor and ease with strangers; developmental delay coupled with strong language skills; and cardiovascular problems, such as supravalvular aortic stenosis and transient hypercalcaemia.


Williams syndrome is caused by the deletion of genetic material from the region q11.23 of chromosome 7.
Image Courtesy: http://geneticsf.labanca.net/


1 in every 20,000 live births. Williams syndrome is considered an autosomal dominant condition
The diagnosis is confirmed using one of two possible genetic tests: micro-array analysis or the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) test. The FISH test examines chromosome #7 and probes for the existence of two copies of the elastin gene. Since 98-99% of individuals with Williams syndrome lack half of the 7q11.23 region of chromosome #7, where the elastin gene is located, the presence of only one copy of the gene is a strong sign of the disorder.  


The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual cardiology evaluations for individuals with Williams syndrome. Other recommended assessments include: opthalmologic evaluations, an examination for inguinal hernia, objective hearing assessment, blood pressure measurement, developmental and growth evaluation, orthopedic assessments on joints, muscle tone, and ongoing feeding and dietary assessments to manage constipation and urinary problems.


Support Group: http://www.williams-syndrome.org/what-is-williams-syndrome AND http://www.wsf.org/

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