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=Prader-Willi Syndrome= is an autosomal disorder in which those afflicted have an abnormality in chromosome 15. Individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome have 23 chromosome pairs. In most cases, the chromosome 15 from the father is missing part of the genetic material, and in the rest of cases the mother contributes an extra chromosome 15. Prader-Willi Syndrome shows no discretion between races or gender, and occurs merely by chance. It cannot be inherited, and there is no factor that can make one individual more likely then another to be born with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Prader-Willi Syndrome is evident from the infant's birth. They may be unusually small and have difficulty putting on weight, have underdeveloped genitals, and have a weak cry. Infants with Prader-Willi Syndrome have similar facial characteristics, such as almond shaped eyes and down-turned mouths.



People with Prader-Willi Syndrome become extremely obese because they eat compulsively. Their unsatisfyable hunger leads to extreme obesity. By the age of 15, individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome display characteristics such as short stature, hands and feet that are very small compared to their bodies, behavioral issues, and sleeping disorders. They suffer minor learning disabilities, and are especially challenged in problem solving and step-by-step tasks. Those with Prader-Willi have very weak social skills and do not adapt well to change in their environments. Their sex hormone levels are uncommonly low, but it is possible for a woman with Prader-Willi to become pregnant.

The life expectancy of an individual with Prader-Willi is the same as that of a normal person, as long as they are cared for correctly. The food craving from Prader-Willi syndrome can lead to morbid obesity, which is life threatening. If the individual can be controlled to have a healthy diet, he/she can potentially live a normal lifetime. There is no cure for Prader-Willi Syndrome, so individuals with it are affected their whole life.

=Statistics=
 * Prader-Willi Syndrome occurs once in every 15,000 people.
 * Prader-Willi Syndrome is the leading genetic cause of morbid obesity in children.
 * 70% of cases occur from missing a part of paternal chromosome 15, 30% of cases are caused by an extra maternal chromosome 15.
 * There is 50% chance of a genetic problem in the child of a person with Prader-Willi.

=Interesting Facts=
 * People with Prader-Willi produce less saliva then a normal person, and so they must use extra fluoride to protect their teeth.
 * People with Prader-Willi have abnormal reactions to sedating medicines, and do not require the usual amount to get the same effect.
 * Depression is common in adults with Prader-Willi.
 * Milestones in early childhood of a person with Prader-Willi are delayed about 2 years.

=Web References:= [] [|http://www.pwsausa.org] []

=Book Reference:= Ferrara, Miranda. //Human Diseases and Conditions//. 2nd ed. 2. Detroit: Charles Schribner's Sons, 2010. Print.

=Pictures:= [|http://www.google.com/searchtbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1024&bih=496&q=baby+with+prader+willi+syndrome&gbv=2&oq=baby+with+prader+willi+syndrome] [|&aq=f&aqi=&aql=1&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1066l15941l0l18183l51l50l13l28l41l0l176l1125l2.7l9l0] []