Paradoxical low severity of COVID-19 in Prader-Willi syndrome: data from a French survey on 647 patients

Abstract

Background Patients 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. Results We 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. Conclusion PWS 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.

Associations and Disease–Disease Interactions of COVID-19 with Congenital and Genetic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

“…Between March 2020 and January 2021, 288 adults participated in a study in France, with 38 of them diagnosed with COVID-19. The average age of the adult cohort was 34 years, and 58% of the participants were female, 89% were Caucasian, and 53% of patients were reported to have 15q11-q13 deletions [ 74 ]. The majority of patients (82%) were obese, with 55% suffering from severe obesity [ 74 ].…”

“…The average age of the adult cohort was 34 years, and 58% of the participants were female, 89% were Caucasian, and 53% of patients were reported to have 15q11-q13 deletions [ 74 ]. The majority of patients (82%) were obese, with 55% suffering from severe obesity [ 74 ]. COVID-19 symptoms were widespread, but only one adult experienced anosmia, and 37% were asymptomatic.…”

“…At the time of infection, 60% of patients were taking vitamin D supplements. Three adults were admitted to hospital with proven pneumonia; however, all symptomatic patients showed rapid, full recovery [ 74 ]. A poll was also conducted for 239 minors (young population), 13 of which had COVID-19.…”