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Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Synonyms
EMG Syndrome; Exomphalos macroglossia gigantism syndrome
Modes of inheritance
Autosomal dominant inheritance (Orphanet)
Unknown inheritance (Orphanet)

Summary

Excerpted from the GeneReview: Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a growth disorder variably characterized by macroglossia, hemihyperplasia, omphalocele, neonatal hypoglycemia, macrosomia, embryonal tumors (e.g., Wilms tumor, hepatoblastoma, neuroblastoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma), visceromegaly, adrenocortical cytomegaly, kidney abnormalities (e.g., medullary dysplasia, nephrocalcinosis, and medullary sponge kidney), and ear creases / posterior helical ear pits. BWS is considered a clinical spectrum, in which affected individuals may have many or only one or two of the characteristic clinical features. Although most individuals with BWS show rapid growth in late fetal development and early childhood, growth rate usually slows by age seven to eight years. Adult heights are typically within the normal range. Hemihyperplasia (also known as lateralized overgrowth) is often appreciated at birth and may become more or less evident over time. Hemihyperplasia may affect segmental regions of the body or selected organs and tissues. Hemihyperplasia may be limited to one side of the body (ipsilateral) or involve opposite sides of the body (contralateral). Macroglossia is generally present at birth and can obstruct breathing or interfere with feeding in infants. Neonatal hypoglycemia occurs in approximately 50% of infants with BWS; most episodes are mild and transient. However, in some cases, persistent hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinism may require consultation with an endocrinologist for therapeutic intervention. With respect to the increased risk for embryonal tumor development, the risk for Wilms tumor appears to be concentrated in the first seven years of life, whereas the risk for developing hepatoblastoma is concentrated in the first three to four years of life. Cognitive and neurobehavioral development is usually normal. After childhood, prognosis is generally favorable, although some adults experience issues requiring medical management (e.g., for renal or skeletal concerns).
Full text of GeneReview (by section):
Summary
Diagnosis
Clinical Characteristics
Genetically Related (Allelic) Disorders
Differential Diagnosis
Management
Genetic Counseling
Resources
Molecular Genetics
Chapter Notes
References
Authors:
Cheryl Shuman
Jennifer M Kalish
Rosanna Weksberg
view full author information

Available tests

163 tests are in the database for this condition.

Check Related conditions for additional relevant tests.

Clinical tests (163 available)

Molecular Genetics Tests

Genes See tests for all associated and related genes

  • Also known as: BWCR, BWS, KIP2, WBS, p57, p57Kip2, CDKN1C
    Summary: cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1C

  • Also known as: BWS, H19-DMD, IC1, ICR1, ICR1-DMR, SRS1, WT2

  • Also known as: C11orf43, GRDF, IGF-II, PP9974, SRS3, IGF2
    Summary: insulin like growth factor 2

  • Also known as: ATFB1, ATFB3, JLNS1, KCNA8, KCNA9, KVLQT1, Kv1.9, Kv7.1, LQT, LQT1, RWS, SQT2, WRS, KCNQ1
    Summary: potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1

  • Also known as: KCNQ1-AS2, KCNQ10T1, Kncq1, KvDMR1, KvLQT1-AS, LIT1, NCRNA00012, KCNQ1OT1
    Summary: KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1

Clinical features

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Imported from Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)

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