11

Is Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome hereditary?

Here you can see if Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome can be hereditary. Do you have any genetic components? Does any member of your family have Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome or may be more predisposed to developing the condition?

Is Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome hereditary?

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by overgrowth and various physical abnormalities. It is typically caused by sporadic genetic mutations rather than being inherited from parents. However, in some cases, BWS can be inherited from a parent who also has the syndrome. Genetic counseling is recommended for families affected by BWS to understand the potential risk of passing it on to future generations.



Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) is a rare genetic disorder that affects various parts of the body. It is characterized by overgrowth, specific physical features, and an increased risk of certain tumors. BWS is caused by genetic changes or mutations that occur randomly during the formation of reproductive cells or early development of the embryo.



Is Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome hereditary?



BWS can be hereditary in some cases, but it can also occur sporadically without any family history. The inheritance pattern of BWS depends on the underlying genetic cause. There are three main genetic mechanisms associated with BWS:




  1. Imprinting defects: Approximately 85% of BWS cases are caused by abnormalities in the regulation of certain genes due to changes in the DNA methylation pattern. These changes can occur randomly and are not inherited from the parents. However, in a small percentage of cases, the imprinting defect can be inherited from an affected parent.


  2. Chromosomal abnormalities: In rare cases, BWS can be caused by specific chromosomal abnormalities, such as duplications or rearrangements. These abnormalities can be inherited from a parent who carries the chromosomal alteration.


  3. Gene mutations: In a small percentage of BWS cases, specific gene mutations are responsible for the syndrome. These mutations can occur spontaneously during early development and are not inherited from the parents. However, in some families, the gene mutation can be inherited from an affected parent.



It is important to note that the risk of having a child with BWS is generally low, even if one parent has the syndrome. The chance of passing on BWS to a child depends on the specific genetic mechanism involved and the individual's family history.



Genetic testing and counseling



If a child is diagnosed with BWS, genetic testing can be performed to determine the underlying genetic cause. This information can help in understanding the risk of recurrence in future pregnancies and provide appropriate genetic counseling.



Genetic counseling is highly recommended for individuals or families affected by BWS. A genetic counselor can explain the inheritance patterns, discuss the chances of having another child with BWS, and provide guidance on available testing options.



Conclusion



Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome can be hereditary in some cases, depending on the underlying genetic cause. However, it can also occur sporadically without any family history. Genetic testing and counseling play a crucial role in understanding the specific genetic mechanisms involved and providing appropriate guidance for affected individuals and families.


Diseasemaps
3 answers
Most geneticists are only just now exploring hereditary cases of BWS. My understanding is that this is thought to be rare. My personal case as a patient is that I passed it to 3 of my 4 children. Our geneticist had never seen another case like this.

Posted May 19, 2017 by Megan 1220
Yes it can be . Genetic testing is available

Posted Jan 20, 2020 by DMSmith 1550

Is Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome hereditary?

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of someone with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome?

3 answers
Celebrities with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

Celebrities with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

1 answer
Is Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome contagious?

Is Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome contagious?

4 answers
Natural treatment of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

Is there any natural treatment for Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome?

2 answers
ICD9 and ICD10 codes of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

ICD10 code of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome and ICD9 code

2 answers
Living with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

Living with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome. How to live with Beckwith-Wiedeman...

2 answers
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome diet

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome diet. Is there a diet which improves the qualit...

3 answers
History of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

What is the history of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome?

1 answer

World map of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

Find people with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome community.

Stories of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

BECKWITH-WIEDEMANN SYNDROME STORIES
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome stories
I also have fraternal twin sons (b. 2007) who both have BWS. All the of us have had tongue reductions and have gone through tumor screenings. Only one of us currently has issues with hemihypertrophy. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have....
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome stories
My daughter Bailee was born November 2014, she has Beckwith-Weidemann Syndrome, Full left sided Hemihypertrophy, and Congenital Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia. 
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome stories
My daughter was born with BWS hemi in August 1992. 5 1/2 weeks in NICU due to very low blood sugar. Took out 95% of her pancreas and she has had normal levels ever since. Surgeries later for tonsils/adenoids removal, 2 for lazy eye, stopped bone grow...
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome stories
3 year old daughter with BWS and HI
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome stories
Cason was prenatally diagnosed with an omphalocele containing only bowel and an adrenal hematoma at 18 weeks. We had an amniocentesis done at 20 weeks and it showed no abnormalities. He measured very large for gestational age and always had his tongu...

Tell your story and help others

Tell my story

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome forum

BECKWITH-WIEDEMANN SYNDROME FORUM

Ask a question and get answers from other users.

Ask a question

Find your symptoms soulmates

From now on you can add your symptoms in diseasemaps and find your symptoms soulmates. Symptoms soulmates are people with similar symptoms to you.

Symptoms soulmates

Add your symptoms and discover your soulmates map

Soulmates map