Williams syndrome
Williams syndrome (WS), also Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS), is a genetic disorder that affects many parts of the body. Facial features frequently include a broad forehead, underdeveloped chin, short nose, and full cheeks. Mild to moderate intellectual disability is observed in people with WS, with particular challenges with visual spatial tasks such as drawing. Verbal skills are relatively unaffected. Many people with WS have an outgoing personality, an openness to engaging with other people, and a happy disposition. Medical issues with teeth, heart problems (especially supravalvular aortic stenosis), and periods of high blood calcium are common.
| Williams syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) |
| Four children with several facial features characteristic of Williams syndrome. | |
| Specialty | Medical genetics, pediatrics |
| Symptoms | Facial changes including underdeveloped chin structure, intellectual disability, overly friendly nature, short height |
| Complications | Heart problems, periods of high blood calcium |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Causes | Genetic |
| Differential diagnosis | Noonan syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome |
| Treatment | Various types of therapy |
| Prognosis | Shorter life expectancy |
| Frequency | 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 7,500 |
Williams syndrome is caused by a genetic abnormality, specifically a deletion of about 27 genes from the long arm of one of the two chromosome 7s. Typically, this occurs as a random event during the formation of the egg or sperm from which a person develops. In a small number of cases, it is inherited from an affected parent in an autosomal dominant manner. The different characteristic features have been linked to the loss of specific genes. The diagnosis is typically suspected based on symptoms and confirmed by genetic testing.
Interventions to support people with WS includes special education programs and various types of therapy. Surgery may be done to correct heart problems. Dietary changes or medications may be required for high blood calcium. The syndrome was first described in 1961 by New Zealander John C. P. Williams. Williams syndrome affects between one in 20,000 and one in 7,500 people at birth. Life expectancy is less than that of the general population, mostly due to the increased rates of heart disease.