Medical Care

A holistic and multidisciplinary approach is recommended to ensure optimal management to improve the quality of life of Prader-Willi Syndrome patients throughout their lifetime. To ensure a successful transition from childhood to adulthood in patients with PWS, a multidisciplinary team needs to share clinical information. It should keep the same policy about food, environmental, and psychiatric issues.

Due to the complex nature of Prader-Willi Syndrome and the many factors that can cause difficulties in people with PWS, often the severity of a clinical symptom may be underestimated until the condition warrants immediate attention, therefore caution should be taken in interpreting a seemingly minor complaint in someone with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Developmental Paediatrician

After your child is born and the hospital has made a diagnosis, they are likely to refer you to a developmental paediatrician.

General Practitioner (GP)

Although not a specialist, finding a good GP who understands or is willing to learn about Prader-Willi Syndrome is highly recommended.

Endocrinologist

Individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome require close management with an endocrinologist throughout their lifespan, from infancy to adulthood.

Urologist

The affects on genitalia are evident from birth, in both boys and girls with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Undescended testes is typical in the vast majority of male infants

Gastroenterology

Researchers are discovering important problems in the gastrointestinal systems in persons with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)

Sleep Specialist and Respiratory

Sleep disorders are common with Prader-Willi Syndrome and before starting Growth Hormone Treatment (GH), your child will be required to have a sleep study performed.

Ophthalmologist

Due to low muscle tone, many infants with Prader-Willi Syndrome have trouble getting their eyes to focus together. These infants should be referred to a paediatric ophthalmologist

Orthopaedic Specialist

An orthopaedist should evaluate and treat, if necessary, curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and any other severe musculoskeletal abnormalities that require attention

Dentist

Children and adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) of all ages face lifelong challenges in the area of dental health. People who have Prader-Willi Syndrome have decreased, thick and sticky saliva

Behavioural Therapy/Psychology

PWS can have a significant impact on behaviour, learning, mental and physical health, community inclusion and social relationships. People with PWS exhibit high anxiety