Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Review: A Guide for the Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal Netw. 2017 May 1;36(3):129-133. doi: 10.1891/0730-0832.36.3.129.

Abstract

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is the most common pediatric overgrowth syndrome. Features characteristic of the BWS phenotype include both physical attributes, such as macroglossia, abdominal wall defects, gigantism, nevus flammeus, visceromegaly, and mid-face hypoplasia, as well as biochemical abnormalities such as hypoglycemia. It is essential for the neonatal nurse to be able to recognize BWS in the patient's early years of life because of the increased frequency of medical complications, malformations, and the increased risk of embryonic malignancies. This article focuses on the presentation of BWS as an aid to early detection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome / complications
  • Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Neonatal Nursing / methods*
  • Neonatal Screening
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Prognosis