Treatment:

There is no specific treatment. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. Special diets and medicines to keep the bowel moving are prescribed to those patients who have constipation.

Expectations (prognosis):

Once hearing problems are corrected, most people with this syndrome should be able to lead a normal life. Those with rarer forms of the syndrome may have other complications.

Complications:

• Constipation severe enough to require part of large bowel to be removed
• Hearing loss
• Self-esteem problems, or other problems related to appearance
• Slight decreased intellectual functioning (possible, unusual)
• Slight increased risk for muscle tumor called rhabdomyosarcoma

Calling your health care provider:

Genetic counseling may be helpful if you have family history of Waardenburg syndrome and plan to have children. Call for a hearing test if you or your child has deafness or decreased hearing.