Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS)

What is pediatric Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS)?

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) causes a child to grow rapidly from birth until about age eight. This rapid growth sometimes leads to hemihyperplasia, which is an uneven or asymmetric appearance. In most cases, this becomes less obvious over time and, by adulthood, people with this condition are of average height and appearance.

In most cases, children with this condition do not have any major, related medical problems. Overall, having Beckwith-Weidemann syndrome does not affect quality of life or life expectancy.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome that was first characterized by Dr. J. Bruce Beckwith and Dr. Hans-Rudolf Wiedemann in the early 1960's.

What are the signs and symptoms of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS)?

• Creases or pits in the skin near the ears

• Hypoglycemia

• Kidney abnormalities

• Macroglossia (unusually large tongue)

• Omphalocele

• Umbilical hernia

• Visceromegaly (abnormally large organs)

What are the causes of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS)?

Beckwith-Weidemann syndrome is an inherited (passed down in families) condition that is caused by abnormal regulation of genes.