What Is Williams Syndrome?

Williams syndrome is a non-hereditary condition. About one in 20,000 babies born alive has Williams Syndrome, and it is unpredictable. It brings both physical and developmental problems, including excessive social personality, and physical problems: heart defects, kidney damage, and lack of coordination, and may also be accompanied by muscle weakness. Different brain damage issues can be found in some cases.

Williams Syndrome

On May 11, 2018, the National Health Council and other five departments jointly developed the "First Batch of Rare Diseases", and Williams Syndrome was included. ^[1]

Introduction to Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome is caused by the absence of two pairs of genes on chromosome 7. Patients with Williams Syndrome are usually music-loving and extremely friendly.

Children with infant hypercalcemia (IHC) typically exhibit the same behavioral and educational problems as children with Williams syndrome. Therefore, in the description of the illness, they are classified into a category. Children with infant hypercalcemia have high levels of calcium in their blood and are stunted in all aspects.

Williams syndrome physical characteristics

In young children and newborn babies, the following signs can tell that they have Williams Syndrome:

1 Difficulty sucking, making feeding difficult

2 High calcium in blood

3 Drowsiness

4 Physical retardation

5 Strabismus

In addition, all people with Williams syndrome seem to have heart problems, mainly supravalvular aortic stenosis, a condition that sometimes develops into more complex heart problems. Perhaps the most obvious sign is the common facial features of children with Williams Syndrome (hereinafter referred to as William children), which are called "elf features". They have a typical wide mouth and a large, loose lower lip. The tip of the nose is turned upwards, slightly protruding cheeks and irregular teeth.