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Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

In infancy, hypoglycemia may be treated with intravenous solutions. Enlargement of the tongue can cause problems with feeding and sleeping.

Defects in the abdominal wall may need to be repaired. The children must be watched closely for the development of tumors.

Expectations (prognosis):

Children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome who survive infancy do well, although no long-term follow-up information is available. Mental development appears to be normal to very slightly decreased.

Complications:

• Hypoglycemia
• Seizures
• Respiratory difficulties from obstruction due to large tongue
• Feeding problems
• Development of tumors

Calling your health care provider:

If you have a child with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and worrisome symptoms develop, call your pediatrician immediately.

• Review Date: 6/13/2007
• Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Daniel Rauch, M.D., FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/25/2006).

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