Abstract
BackgroundPatients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) often have comorbidities, especially obesity, that may constitute a risk factor for severe forms of COVID-19. We aimed to assess prevalence and medical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adults with PWS. From November 2020 to January 2021, we performed a detailed medical survey on 342 adults and 305 children with PWS followed in the French reference center.ResultsWe obtained responses from 288 adults (84%) and 239 children (78%). From March 2020 to January 2021, 38 adults (13.2%) and 13 children (5.4%) with PWS had SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mean age of adults was 34.1 ± 11.9 years and mean body mass index was 40.6 ± 12.7 kg/m2; 82% had obesity and 37% had diabetes. Only 3 children (23%) had obesity and none had diabetes. Similar to the general population, the most frequent symptoms of COVID-19 were asthenia, fever, cough, headache and shortness of breath. All patients had a favorable outcome.ConclusionPWS itself is not a risk factor for severe COVID-19 in children and adults. On the contrary, evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults with PWS seems more favorable than expected, given their comorbidities.
Highlights
Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) often have comorbidities, especially obesity, that may constitute a risk factor for severe forms of COVID-19
In contrast to the extensive literature on obesity contributing to increased risk of severe COVID-19 [3, 4], there is no published report concerning the course of COVID-19 in PWS, the most common form of syndromic obesity with an incidence of approximately 1 in 21,000 newborns [5]
In May 2020, the International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organization (IPWSO) launched a survey and the first results on June 8 showed a majority of mild infections [6]
Summary
Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) often have comorbidities, especially obesity, that may constitute a risk factor for severe forms of COVID-19. Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of expression of paternal-origin imprinted alleles on chromosome 15q11q13. In May 2020, the International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organization (IPWSO) launched a survey and the first results on June 8 showed a majority of mild infections [6]. These early data were surprising given that adults with PWS often present comorbidities which can negatively impact outcomes of COVID-19 [4]. Patients with PWS have difficulties in expressing complaints and decreased fever
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
