Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Alternative names:

Beckwith syndrome

Treatment:

In infancy, hypoglycemia is treated with intravenous glucose solutions and corticosteroids. Careful attention must be paid to feeding and sleeping positions to avoid problems with the large tongue, which may cause feeding problems and respiratory difficulties. Omphaloceles must be repaired. In addition, affected children must be followed carefully for the appearance of tumors.

Expectations (prognosis):

Children who survive infancy do well, although there is no long term follow-up available. Mental function appears to be normal to very slightly decreased.

Complications:

• Wilm's tumor (most common) or other malignancies, approximately 10%
• profound hypoglycemia
• seizures
• choking and aspiration pneumonia

Calling your health care provider:

This diagnosis is generally made in the hospital shortly after an infant's birth. If you have a child with Beckwith syndrome at home, and he or she develops any worrisome symptoms, call your health care provider immediately.