How to Treat Williams Syndrome

Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that occurs in only about one of every 20,000 births. It can either be passed on by a parent with Williams Syndrome--a 50 percent chance--or caused by a random mutation in Chromosome 7. The symptoms include personality disorders and mental retardation, blood calcium problems, heart problems and facial abnormalities. Read on to learn more about how to treat Williams Syndrome.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Family history
• Support group
• Eyeglasses
• Kidney ultrasounds
• Physical therapy
• Blood tests
• Antibiotics

1. Gather your family's medical history. Those with a family history of Williams Syndrome are much more likely to pass it on as a hereditary condition. Those with the syndrome themselves have a 50/50 chance of passing it to their children.
2. Have your doctor examine your child closely if you suspect Williams Syndrome. The most common signs include a noticeable, star-like pattern occurring in the iris of the eye, cognitive and developmental problems, large lips and "mouth breathing," difficulty feeding, joint problems and a small stature when compared to other close relatives.
3. Treat the symptoms of Williams Syndrome as they arise, because there is no cure for the condition itself. You will need to monitor your child's condition closely to look for signs of recurring problems, because your child most likely will not be able to monitor his own health.
4. Test your child's blood often for blood calcium levels. High blood calcium is one of the most common symptoms of Williams Syndrome and is potentially very dangerous. Avoid calcium supplements and foods containing vitamin D.
5. Have your child's blood pressure checked regularly. A narrowing of the aorta and blood vessels is common for those with Williams Syndrome and can lead to serious heart problems. Hypertension is a serious complication associated with this condition.
6. Get a kidney ultrasound periodically as recommended by your doctor. Renal defects and infection are another common problem for Williams syndrome sufferers. Treat infections with antibiotics and keep an eye out for kidney stones.
7. Use glasses to treat the farsightedness that often accompanies Williams Syndrome.
8. Engage in physical therapy to help treat problems of the joints and muscles, and have a therapist work with your child on developmental and speech issues.

Tips & Warnings

• Join a Williams Syndrome support group in your area. The stress placed on family and caregivers can be extreme. Due to mental retardation and frequent health problems, people with Williams Syndrome usually cannot live by themselves. Contact the Williams Syndrome Association to find support groups near you. See the Resources section below for a link.