Williams Syndrome - Causes and Treatment

Williams' syndrome which is also very well-known as the Williams Beuren syndrome, is the rare genetic disease characterized by symptoms of growth delays after and before birth. The main characteristic of that disease are facial features and a changeable degree of psychological deficiency. The syndrome affects one in 15,000 people on the planet and 7,000 to 50,000 US citizens. It is known to strike equally in both males and females.

Causes

Williams Syndrome is caused by the absence of the chromosome 7 which particularly helps in the production of the elastin. The elastin is that protein which helps the blood vessels and other tissues of the human body to stretch when needed. The disease is not essentially a hereditary disease.

The Symptoms

Some most commonly found symptoms of that disease comprises of the elfin facial look, mental disability and heart defects. Other symptoms and signs includes the Elfin facial look along with widely spaced eyes, flattened nasal-bridge, upturned nose, wide opened mouth with big lips, widely spacing between teeth, missing tooth, small chin, imperfect tooth enamel etc... The children affected by this syndrome do not speak till they attain 3 years. They might be under weight at the time of birth and might find difficulty for breast feeding; the kid might be vomiting, reflux, and might also have colic. Other symptoms are mental retardation, problem in learning, unusual proficiency in the verbal skills, problems in balance and co-ordination, a sunken chest, high calcium level or the hypocalcaemia and also cardiovascular problem including narrowing of the blood vessels. Also, dental abnormalities might occur like underdeveloped small teeth.

The Treatment for Williams Syndrome:

Until today there has been no cure found for this disease. A patient with this syndrome is advised to take high or extra level of Vitamin D and calcium. If one is suffering from some kind of joint stiffness, then physical therapy will be provided. For children who are facing problems with learning and various disabilities a special speech analysis is provided.

The vast majority of the symptoms and signs of the disease may not be observable at birth or during the first year of the child's life. It is important to call your local health care center if your newborn has characteristic similar to those of Williams Syndrome