Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare complex neurodevelopmental genetic disorder that is associated with hyperphagia and morbid obesity in humans leading to a shortened life expectancy. This report summarizes the primary causes of death and evaluates mortality trends in a large cohort of individuals with PWS. Methods PWSA (USA) mortality syndrome-specific database of death reports was collected through a cursory bereavement program for PWSA(USA) families using a brief survey created in 1999. Causes of death were descriptively characterized and statistically examined using Cox Proportional Hazards. Results A total of 486 deaths were reported (263 males, 217 females, 6 unknown) between 1973 and 2015 with mean age of 29.5 ± 16 years (2mo–67yrs), 70% occurring in adulthood. Respiratory failure was the most common cause accounting for 31% of all deaths. Males were at increased risk for presumed hyperphagia-related accidents/injuries compared to females and cardiopulmonary factors. PWS maternal disomy 15 genetic subtype showed an increased risk of death from cardiopulmonary factors compared to the deletion subtype. Conclusions These findings highlight the heightened vulnerability towards obesity and hyperphagia-related mortality in PWS. Future research is needed to address critical vulnerabilities such as gender and genetic subtype in the cause of death in PWS.

Hyperphagia and obesity are common features in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Demographic and cause of death data from individuals with PWS were obtained through a national support organization. Four reports of unexpected mortality due to gastric rupture and necrosis were found in 152 reported deaths, accounting for 3% of the causes of mortality. Four additional individuals were suspected to have gastric rupture. Vomiting and abdominal pain, although rare in PWS, were frequent findings in this cohort. The physician should consider an emergent evaluation for gastric rupture and necrosis in individuals with PWS who present with vomiting and abdominal pain.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multi-system disorder resulting from a lack of paternal gene expression in the 15q11.2-q13 region. Using databases compiled through response questionnaires completed by families known to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA), this study tested the hypothesis that PWS genetic subtype, BMI, age of diagnosis, clinical symptoms, and growth hormone treatment differ among deceased and living individuals with PWS. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using chi-square and two-group t-tests, respectively. Deceased individuals had higher rates of clinical features, including increased weight related concerns, heart problems, sleep apnea, other respiratory complications, diabetes, osteoporosis, high pain tolerance, and severe skin picking, when compared to living individuals. Meanwhile, living individuals had higher rates of growth hormone use and early puberty. Obesity and subsequent consequences are the primary contributors to increased mortality in PWS. Additional emphasis on areas to decrease mortality is needed.

Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by hyperphagia and morbid obesity with increased cardiopulmonary and hyperphagia-related mortality. Survival trends in PWS were evaluated to assess the impact of modern interventions on mortality risk. Methods The PWSA (USA) 40-year mortality syndrome-specific database of 486 death reports was utilized to examine survival trends in PWS and cohort effects for recent deaths (years 2000–2015, N=331) relative to deaths prior to 2000 (N=94). Cox Proportional Hazards regression modeling was applied to generate log rank statistics and Kaplan-Meier curves examining sex, cause of death and cohort. Results Risk for all-cause mortality in PWS was 1.5 (95%CI=1.2–1.9) times higher for the Early than the Recent era cohort reflected in female cardiac failure (HR=1.8; 95%CI=1.3–2.6), pulmonary embolism (HR=6.1; 95%CI=1.7–22), and GI-related (HR=3.2; 95%CI=1.1–7.4) causes. Accidental deaths in males increased in the Recent era cohort (HR=5.7; 95%CI=1.2–27.1) possibly due to enhanced weight management and mobility. Risk of death from respiratory failure was unchanged. Conclusions We report measurable increases in survival effecting cardiovascular and GI-related causes in PWS most likely attributable to earlier diagnosis and proactive interventions to prevent morbid obesity. More research is needed to address underlying vulnerability to respiratory failure, an unchanged mortality risk in PWS.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is the most common known syndromic cause of life threatening obesity, yet few studies have examined the causes of death in PWS. The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of choking leading to mortality in PWS. In 1999, a brief survey was made available from the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) bereavement program, which documented demographic data and causes of death. Families were subsequently offered the opportunity to fill out a detailed questionnaire and additional forms to release medical records. Demographic information was available on 178 deceased individuals with PWS, and cause of death available on 152 individuals. Fifty-four families completed questionnaires. Of the deceased individuals with completed questionnaires, 34% reported a history of choking. Choking was listed by familial report as the cause of death in 12 (7.9%) of 152 subjects with an average age of 24 years (range 3-52y; median 22.5y) at death from choking. Only two of these individuals were less than eight years of age. The data suggest that risks associated with choking are different in the PWS population compared with normal. Potential causes of increased choking in PWS include poor oral/motor coordination, poor gag reflex, hypotonia, hyperphagia, decreased mastication and voracious feeding habits. We recommend implementation of preventive measures and education for families and group home care providers for all individuals with PWS including the Heimlich maneuver, supervised meals, better food preparation and diet modification to avoid high risk choking items.