José Lopes, PhD, managing science editor —

Both growth friendly surgery (GFS) and serial cast correction (SCC) were found to help resolve early-onset scoliosis, and to improve spine structure, in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), according to a two-year study. The findings from the study, “Growth Friendly Surgery and Serial Cast…

Certain risk factors — such as older age, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure — increase the likelihood of blood clots in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), according to results of a national U.S. survey. The study, “Venous Thromboembolism in Prader–Willi Syndrome: A Questionnaire…

A new case report illustrates the importance of prenatal genetic tests when clinical signs strongly suggest a diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The study, “Possibility of early diagnosis in a fetus affected by Prader-Willi syndrome with maternal hetero-UPD15: A lesson to be learned,” was published in the…

A new study described a rare case of a young man with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) with an invasive infection of the ear canal and the skull base who was successfully treated with antibiotics. The research, “Malignant otitis externa in a 21-year-old male patient with Prader-Willi syndrome,” was…

A low-intensity training program improved hand function in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), according to results of a pilot study in six patients. The research, “Hand strength and dexterity in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: a pilot intervention study,” was published in the Journal of International Medical…

A Phase 3 trial of Levo Therapeutics‘ treatment candidate LV-101 (intranasal carbetocin) is enrolling participants ages 7-18 with Prader-Willi syndrome. Patients are being recruited at the University of Florida and Vanderbilt University, with Levo anticipating additional study sites to open. Updates on trial sites can be found…

Differing levels of tiny RNA molecules called micro RNAs (miRNAs) could explain the distinctive features of obesity between patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and individuals whose obesity is not related to a genetic disorder, according to a study. The study, “Differences in circulating microRNA signature in…

Treatment candidate diazoxide chloride controlled release (DCCR) may cause fewer and milder side effects than approved medication Proglycem (diazoxide suspension) in treating low blood sugar in Prader-Willi syndrome patients, as well as providing consistent benefits, according to Soleno Therapeutics’ clinical studies. The findings showed that DCCR temporarily raises glucose (sugar)…

Treatment with anticonvulsant topiramate (sold under the brand names Topamax, Trokendi XR, and Qudexy XR) may help reduce food-related aggression and cravings in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) patients, a case report suggests. The research, “Topiramate in the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome: A case report,” was published…

A new video explains how Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) develops, some of its challenges, and ongoing research — all in just under three minutes. Titled “What is Prader-Willi Syndrome?” the video is narrated by Susan Hedstrom, executive director of the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR) and the mother of a…