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Williams syndrome

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Williams-Beuren syndrome

Treatment:

There is no cure for Williams syndrome. Supplemental calcium and vitamin D should be avoided. It is important to treat high levels of blood calcium if present. The blood vessel narrowing can be a significant health problem and is treated based on severity.

Physical therapy is helpful to patients with joint stiffness. Developmental and speech therapy can also help these children; for example, their verbal strengths can help compensate for other weaknesses. Other treatments are individualized based on a particular patient's symptoms.

Coordination of treatment by a geneticist experienced with Williams syndrome can be beneficial.

Support Groups:

Williams Syndrome Foundation www.wsf.org 949-UCI-7259

Williams Syndrome Association www.williams-syndrome.org 248-541-3630

Expectations (prognosis):

Some degree of mental retardation is found in about 75% of patients with Williams syndrome.

Most patients have a shortened life expectancy, due to complications.

The majority of patients do not live independently of care givers.

Complications:

• Blood vessel narrowing can cause heart failure.
• Elevated calcium can lead to calcium deposits in the kidney and other kidney problems.
• Abdominal pain is common for a variety of reasons.
• There have been rare cases of children with Williams syndrome having complications, including death, with anesthesia.

Calling your health care provider:

Many of the symptoms and signs of Williams syndrome may not be apparent at birth. Call your health care provider if you child has features that might be suggestive of Williams syndrome. Seek genetic counseling if there is a family history of Williams syndrome.

• Review Date: 3/13/2006
• Reviewed By: Lamya Alarif, Ph.D., H.C.L.D., Immunology and Genetics Associates, McLean, VA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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