What it means
Named after Andrea Prader and Heinrich Willi, Swiss pediatricians. It is caused by the loss of certain genes on chromosome 15 that normally come from the father. Babies have weak muscle tone and feed poorly. From early childhood the child feels hungry all the time and, without strict food control, gains weight rapidly; short stature, learning disability, behavior problems and underdeveloped sex organs are common.
For the nurse
Care includes structured meals with a set calorie plan, keeping food locked away, regular exercise, growth hormone treatment and monitoring for obesity-related problems such as diabetes and sleep apnea. Support the family, who carry most of the daily care.
Related terms
diabetes mellitus
A long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.
obstructive sleep apnea
A sleep disorder in which the upper airway closes again and again during sleep, stopping or reducing breathing.