Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

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Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Classification & external resources
OMIM 130650
DiseasesDB 14141
eMedicine ped/218 
MeSH C16.131.077.133

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a rare genetic or epigenetic overgrowth syndrome (prevalence of about 1 in 36,000) associated with an elevated risk of embryonic tumor formation.[1] BWS is caused by mutations in growth regulalting genes on chromosome 11—specifically 11p15—or by errors in genomic imprinting.[2]

Clinically, patients typically present with omphalocele, macroglossia (large tongue), and macrosomia (large birth weight).[3] Organomegaly, adrenocortical cytomegaly, hemihypertrophy, and neonatal hypoglycemia may also been seen. Not all of these features appear in every individual with BWS. Macroglossia occurs in approximately 80% of cases and often results in 'floppy' airways which may require treatment with a tracheotomy.

Contents

[edit] Genetics

The BWS gene locus is adjacent to the WT1 gene implicated in Wilms' tumor development, and thus the BWS locus has been named WT2. BWS-affected individuals are at an elevated risk of developing Wilms' tumors as well as other neoplasias such as hepatoblastomas.[1] For this reason, physicians may recommend periodic screening for evidence of these tumors in children diagnosed early in life with BWS. Screening tests might include abdominal or renal ultrasound imaging and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels.

Children conceived by in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are three to four times more likely to develop the condition.[4]

[edit] Historical

BWS was first described by Hans-Rudolf Wiedemann in 1964.[5]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Kumar V, Fausto N, Abbas A (editors) (2003). Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 7th, Saunders, p. 505. ISBN 978-0-721-60187-8. 
  2. ^ Weksberg R, Shuman C, Smith A (2005). "Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome". Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet 137 (1): 12-23. PMID 16010676. 
  3. ^ Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. OMIM: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man. Retrieved on 2007-02-02.
  4. ^ Gosden R, Trasler J, Lucifero D, Faddy M (2003). "Rare congenital disorders, imprinted genes, and assisted reproductive technology". Lancet 361 (9373): 1975-7. PMID 12801753. 
  5. ^ Wiedemann HR (1964). "Familial malformation complex with umbilical hernia and macroglossia--a new syndrome?". J Genet Hum 13: 223-32. PMID 14231762. 

[edit] External links

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