A survey of 22 individuals with Prader‐Willi Syndrome in New South Wales

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Abstract
Twenty‐two individuals with Prader‐Willi Syndrome in New South Wales were surveyed. The results show that males were diagnosed at a significantly earlier age than females and suggest a recent trend towards earlier diagnosis. The advantages of early diagnosis are discussed. In those in whom cytogenetic studies had been performed, 47% were found to have a deletion involving chromosome 15q11–13. Profound neonatal hypotonia had been present in all cases. Obesity became apparent between 1.5 and 10 years (mean = 3.8 years). Facial dysmorphism was reported in 83% and acromicria in 100%. Sixty‐two per cent of subjects were regarded as less pigmented than first degree relatives. Cognitive assessments were performed on nine subjects. Two (22%) were functioning in the normal range of intelligence. Behaviour problems, both food‐related and non‐food‐related, were present in the majority and placed considerable stress on the family caring for the individual with Prader‐Willi Syndrome.