News

Growth hormone treatment in children younger than 2 with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is safe, reduces body fat, and is linked with earlier ability to walk, a new study reports. The study, “Safety and effectiveness of growth hormone therapy in infants with Prader-Willi syndrome younger than 2 years: a prospective…

Overweight or obese Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) patients are more likely to have gut problems and take medicines for gastrointestinal illnesses, a study has found. The study also showed that surgery to treat gastrointestinal problems is less frequent in overweight patients, but there was no link between how much patients weighted…

It wasn’t until Gordana Loleska’s son David was 14 years old that doctors in their native North Macedonia diagnosed his kidney, vision, and hearing problems as Alport syndrome. Although she had known for years that something was wrong, the news that David would battle a lifelong rare disease devastated…

Pitolisant, an investigational anti-sleepiness therapy in the U.S., may help reduce daytime sleepiness and improve cognitive function in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a case series suggests. The study, “Cognitive Improvements in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome Following Pitolisant Treatment — Patient Reports,” was published in the Journal of…

Infants with Prader-Willi syndrome can show abnormalities in motor and verbal development within the first six months of life, a case report highlights. Better understanding and recognition of these early developmental manifestations may aid in earlier diagnosis and care during the first weeks of life. The case was described in…

A violinist with vasculitis, two Texas politicians and a pharmaceutical company whose marijuana-derived therapy helps kids with Dravet syndrome were among winners of the 2019 Rare Impact Awards. Officials of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) presented the awards during a June 22 dinner attended by…

Many patients with Prader-Willi syndrome may manifest psychotic symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria of cycloid psychosis, a study shows. However, this particular psychological condition is often disregarded by clinicians, which may prevent prompt and adequate care. This finding was reported in a study, “…

Europe’s umbrella organization for 800 rare disease associations has developed a sweeping initiative to help the continent’s 30 million rare disease patients and their caregivers learn about their conditions, find assistance and receive treatment. Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe hopes to improve the current piecemeal treatment and support program with a holistic,…

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…

People with rare diseases know that the right government policies can make a big difference in the quality of their own lives, and those of their caregivers. But most lawmakers aren’t experts in even one well-known disease — let alone the world’s estimated 7,000 rare disorders. So how does the…