Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome In Babies: Causes & Treatment

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Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome in babies is a congenital genetic disorder that affects around one in 15,000 births. The Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center estimates that the disease’s prevalence in the United States is below 50,000 people. It is detectable in babies at birth since they are born with the characteristic features of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), such as an enlarged limb (called hemihypertrophy).

Some babies inherit this condition from their parents, while new genetic modifications could lead to BWS in some cases. However, early cancer screening and tailored intervention could help prevent future risks and complications in the baby.

Read this article to explore more about the signs and symptoms, causes, risks, diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term outlook of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) in babies.

Signs And Symptoms Of BWS In Babies

The physical features of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome are part of the 11p overgrowth or 11p overgrowth spectrum. 11p overgrowth includes overgrowth and other features associated with genetic changes at the 11p region of chromosome 11. These features may include (1):

• Macrosomia is increased birth weight and length

• Hemihypertrophy or hemihyperplasia is an overgrowth of one side or part of the body
• Macroglossia is an enlarged tongue
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or prolonged neonatal hypoglycemia due to increased insulin levels (neonatal hyperinsulinism)
• Enlarged abdominal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and kidneys
• Abdominal wall defects such as omphalocele or umbilical hernia where abdominal organs protrude outside the abdominal cavity
• Creases and pits on the earlobe or behind the ear

Quick fact

Macroglossia can negatively affect the growth and development of teeth and jaws (7)

BWS also includes symptoms related to other conditions such as Pseudohypoparathyroidism which is similar to neonatal hypoparathyroidism, a condition characterized by resistance to the parathyroid hormones, neonatal hypocalcemia, and neonatal hyperphosphatemia (1).

Additionally, BWS is also linked with symptoms related to neonatal hypothyroidism or low levels of thyroid hormone production (1).

Causes Of BWS In Babies

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Several genetic factors are known to cause Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Changes in gene expression of one or more genes on 11p15 regions on chromosome 11 can cause BWS. In some cases, BWS can be due to mutations of the CDKN1C gene on chromosome 11 (2).

BWS can be of two types depending on the cause (3).

• Sporadic Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and hemihypertrophy account for 85% of cases. These genetic changes occur sporadically without any inheritance. This can be due to improper inactivation of growth-suppressing genes or overexpression of genes encouraging growth. Sporadic BWS occurs without a family history, and there is no risk of having another child with the same condition.

• Inherited Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or isolated hemihypertrophy accounts for 10 to 15% of cases. Since it is hereditary, it is passed from parents to their children. There is a 50% chance of an affected parent passing this genetic abnormality to a child. Most hereditary cases are associated with CDKN1C mutation on chromosome 11. This condition can be passed to the next generation, and there is an increased risk of having another child with the syndrome.

The genetic changes may occur only in some cells, resulting in mosaicism. It means that some parts of the body have normal cells with normal gene expression on chromosome 11. This heterogeneity of gene expression is responsible for clinical features called 11p overgrowth.

Diagnosis Of BWS In Babies

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BWS can be diagnosed clinically by observing the physical features. However, genetic testing is often ordered to confirm the diagnosis since this can explain the cause.

Babies with hemihypertrophy require evaluation from geneticists since this can also be seen as an isolated anomaly or with BWS. Blood samples or tissue samples are collected for genetic testing.

Did you know?

Some babies may be born with mild symptoms of BWS, and often go undiagnosed (8).

Cancer Risks And Screening In BWS

Babies with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and isolated hemihypertrophy may have an increased risk of developing certain childhood cancers. Approximately 5-10 percent cancer risk is estimated in children with BWS, but this may vary depending on the cause of BWS (3).

The following cancers are often associated with BWS in babies (3).

• Wilms tumor is kidney cancer, most commonly seen in BWS. Nearly 95% of Wilms tumors occur in babies with BWS before age seven.

• Hepatoblastoma is liver cancer and the second most common type of cancer associated with BWS or isolated hemihypertrophy. This cancer is usually present by two years of age.

• Other rare childhood cancers such as neuroblastoma (affect nerve cells), rhabdomyosarcoma (involves soft tissue such as skeletal muscle tissue), and adrenocortical carcinoma (affects the outer layer of adrenal glands) can also be associated with BWS.

Regular screening is recommended for babies with BWS until teenage to detect cancers as early as possible. The prognosis depends on the cancer spread since early detection and treatment can improve outcomes. Early detection may also reduce the need for chemotherapy and radiotherapy or may require low-dose therapies.

The following screening tests are usually recommended for babies with BWS.

• Abdominal ultrasound every three months until seven years of age. Images of the liver, kidneys, and other abdominal organs are obtained until four years since the risk for liver cancer declines beyond this age. The renal and adrenal glands ultrasound is obtained until seven years of age.

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• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in the blood are screened every three months until four years of age. This protein is released by immature or damaged liver cells, and higher levels indicate a risk of hepatoblastoma. AFP can be normally high in the newborn period, and it may decline later.

Babies with clinical features of BWS and negative genetic test results may also receive similar cancer surveillance and medical management as babies with positive genetic tests results.

Treatment For BWS In Babies

There is no cure for BWS in babies. The existing measures focus on treating symptoms and surgical correction of physical features. The following treatments are given according to the physical features of BWS in babies (4).

• Abdominal wall repair for umbilical hernia is usually done soon after birth.
• Hypoglycemia treatment and monitoring of glucose levels every six hours is done for the first few days of life.

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• Pancreatectomy (surgical removal of the pancreas) may be considered if there is severe neonatal hypoglycemia.
• Maxillofacial surgery may be required to treat macroglossia. Speech-language therapists may be involved in the care of macroglossia since this may often cause feeding difficulties, speech difficulties, and drooling.
• Orthopedic surgeries to correct the leg lengths are done in later years if one leg is larger than the other. Special orthopedic shoes with adjusted heels are recommended until surgical repairs.

Doctors may give future follow-up plans with various medical specialists such as endocrinologists, orthopedists, plastic surgeons, and oncologists to evaluate and treat possible complications of BWS.

Outlook Of BWS

Most babies with BWS and isolated hemihypertrophy may grow up normally. Physical features may become less noticeable when the child grows and could often be corrected with subsequent surgeries. They may appear larger than their peers in early childhood, but their growth declines gradually.

Most babies with BWS tend to have normal growth and reduced cancer risk by adolescence. Most grow up to be adults with above-average height and normal intelligence and lifespan. BWS does not interfere with reproduction in the future.

Infographic: Facts About Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is a growth disorder that is more noticeable in childhood. Early management of symptoms helps improve the quality of life. Go through the infographic to learn some facts about Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome that may help you make the right decisions for your child.

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Delve into the details of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, its causes, effects, and effective treatment measures, explained by a registered doctor.

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Dr. Arva M BhavnagarwalaMBBS, DNB

Dr. Arva Bhavnagarwala did her post-graduation from Masina Hospital in Mumbai and worked at Jaslok Hospital and Research Center as a Clinical Associate. With seven years of experience, she currently practices pediatrics at her private clinic in South Mumbai and is attached to Masina Hospital as a consultant pediatrician. Dr. Bhavnagarwala is a National Advisory Board Member of Indian Pediatrics,...more

Dr Bisny T. JosephMedical Doctor

Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert. Her interest in digital medical education and patient education...more

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Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology. Vidya writes health-based articles...more