Beckwith-wiedemann syndrome
Overview
What is Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome?
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is a genetic overgrowth syndrome that can affect multiple parts of the body. Infants with the condition are usually bigger than other infants (macrosomia) and tend to be taller than their classmates during childhood. Some children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome will have specific parts of their body on one side of the body or the other that will grow abnormally large making them look uneven. This uneven growth (hemihyperplasia) usually becomes less obvious as the child gets older.
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Are there other names for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome?
What is the usual abbreviation for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome?
How common is Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome?
Are there any other diseases that look a lot like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome?
Are there other names for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome?
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is known by several other names including:
- Exomphalos-macroglossia-gigantism syndrome
- EMG syndrome
- Wiedemann-Beckwith syndrome; WBS
What is the usual abbreviation for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome?
The common abbreviation for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is BWS.
How common is Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome?
It is believed that about 1 in every 13,700 babies will be born with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. However, it may be more common as some people are not as severely affected and may not be diagnosed.
Are there any other diseases that look a lot like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome?
The following conditions have symptoms which overlap with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and should be considered when trying to diagnose someone with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome:
- Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS)
- Perlman syndrome (PS)
- Costello syndrome (CS)
- Sotos syndrome
- Mucopolysaccaridosis type VI (Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome)
