The Dangers of Holiday Festivites…A PWS (USA) Alert

November 18, 2010

Risk of Stomach Necrosis and Rupture
Possibly Related to Chronic Gastroparesis
A Cause of Death from Sepsis, Gastric Necrosis or Blood Loss

Signs and symptoms of stomach necrosis and rupture:

Vomiting -Any vomiting is very unusual in Prader-Willi syndrome
Loss of appetite- (ominous sign)
Lethargy
Complaints of pain, usually non-specific
Pain sensation is abnormal in Prader-Willi syndrome due to high pain threshold; rarely complain of pain
Pain is often poorly localized
Peritoneal signs may be absent
Abdominal/ stomach bloating and dilatation
Fever may or may not be present
Temperature regulation is altered in Prader-Willi syndrome
Guaiac positive stools (chronic gastritis)

THESE SIGNS SHOULD RAISE SUSPICION OF STOMACH NECROSIS/RUPTURE AS A POSSIBLE DIAGNOSIS WHICH CAN BE LIFE THREATENING!

History may include:

History of binge eating within the week
Hyperphagia and binge eating are characteristic of Prader-Willi syndrome, regardless of whether obese or slim
Frequently occurs after holiday, or social occasion with less supervision of intake
History of gastroparesis
Common in Prader-Willi syndrome, though often undiagnosed
Often slim or history of significant obesity followed by weight loss
May leave the stomach wall thinned

For more information go to www.pwsausa.org or call 800-926-4797.