Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic condition present at birth that affects physical features and development. It occurs in about 1 in 20,000 births due to a random genetic mutation. Common characteristics include heart defects, learning disabilities, an overly friendly demeanor, and narrow blood vessels. There is no cure for Williams Syndrome, but symptoms can be managed through careful medical care and avoiding excess calcium and vitamin D. The condition varies in severity and some cases, like that of Cody described, require multiple heart surgeries while allowing the person to live with milder ongoing effects of the syndrome.

1. Williams Syndrome Travis Strobel Kenneth Camper

2. What is the DiseaseWilliams Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that creates medical and developmental problems it’s identity wasn’t distinct in 1961. It is estimated to occur in 1/20,000 births. People with William Syndrome have a lot of difficulties like shortened life expectancy and mild retardation. There is no treatment for this condition.

3. How it’s InheritedMost cases of Williams Syndrome can not be inheritedIt occurs in random events during the formation of egg and sperm cellsBut ones that are inherited are considered autosomal dominant when one copy of the altered chromosome number 7 in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.Autosomal means that this disease isn’t sex linked

4. What is Symptoms Causes: Dental problemsKidney problemsSensitive hearingExcessively friendly Hernia ProblemsDistorted Facial featuresTroubles eatingThey have Low birth weight and low weight gainMild RetardationRespiratory Problems

5. How disease is tested for and Diagnosed By a F.I.S.H. test which detects genetic deletions which occurs in 99% of all Williams Syndrome patients.Also by parental testing which is when the baby is in the womb and is usually don’t 9-11 weeks during pregnancy. Where they get D.N.A. and this usually don’t happen unless there is a family History of the disease.

6. Occurrence of DiseaseWilliams syndrome is panethnic; which means it doesn’t occur more often in one race.But people who live in Hong Kong have trouble with there lungs and breathing.In Greece on the other hand they have practically no breathing or lung trouble

7. TreatmentThere is no cure for Williams SyndromeThey have to avoid taking calcium and vitamin D because it can narrow there blood vessels

8. FactsWilliams Syndrome has no cureIt affects a lot of peopleThey have a lot of difficulties and struggle to survive

9. CodyCody was just three months old when Williams Syndrome had hit him. He had to get a hernia operation and he went into cardiac arrest for five minutes. Then a three months later his normal heart went severe and he had to go under heart surgery. He went under anesthesia five times during a twelve hour surgery. Cody was extremely lucky and pulled through alive. He still suffers from Williams Syndrome but hasn’t had any major problems.

10. Work Cited“Cody’s Story.” Prenatal Partners for Life. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2010. <http://www.prenatalpartnersforlife.org>.Khan, Aneal. “Williams Syndrome.” Emedicine. Medscape, 18 Nov. 2009. Web. 26 Feb. 2010. <http://emedicine.medscape.com>.“What is Williams Syndrome.” Williams Syndrome Association. N.p., 2008. Web. 26 Feb. 2010. <http://www.williams-syndrome.org>.