Unexpected death and critical illness in Prader-Willi syndrome: report of ten individuals.
Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) generally survive into adulthood. Common causes of death are obesity related cor pulmonale and respiratory failure. We report on a case series of eight children and two adults with unexpected death or critical illness. Our data show age-specific characteristics of PWS patients with fatal or life-threatening illnesses. Under the age of 2 years, childhood illnesses in general were associated with high fever and rapid demise or near-demise. Hypothalamic dysfunction likely plays a role in exaggerated fever response, but also perhaps in central regulation of adrenal function. Below average sized adrenal glands were found in three children, which raises the possibility of unrecognized adrenal insufficiency in a subset of individuals with PWS and emphasizes the vital role of autopsy. The tub drowning death of an adult patient could be related to central hypersomnia, which has been reported in PWS. We suggest that increased risk for critical illness be considered in the discussion of anticipatory guidance for the care of infants with PWS. Since a number of children died while hospitalized, particularly close observation of PWS children who are ill enough to warrant hospital admission is recommended.
Stevenson
David A
DA
Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. david.stevenson@hsc.utah.edu
Anaya
Theresa M
TM
Clayton-Smith
Jill
J
Hall
Bryan D
BD
Van Allen
Margot I
MI
Zori
Roberto T
RT
Zackai
Elaine H
EH
Frank
Gary
G
Clericuzio
Carol L
CL
D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016638:Critical Illness; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000150:complications; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011218:Prader-Willi Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000150:complications