Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)


Other names people use for this condition
  • Williams-Beuren syndrome
  • WBS
  • WMS
  • WS

Williams syndrome
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Williams syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body. This condition is characterized by mild to moderate mental retardation or learning disabilities, unique personality characteristics, distinctive facial features, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) problems.[1] Williams syndrome is caused by missing genes from a specific region of chromosome 7.[1][2] The deleted region includes more than 25 genes and researchers believe that a loss of several of these genes probably contributes to the characteristic features of this disorder.[1] The genetic mutation in Williams syndrome appears to be random in most cases.[3]

References
  1. Williams syndrome. Genetics Home Reference (GHR). March 2008 Available at: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=williamssyndrome. Accessed November 18, 2008.
  2. Haldeman-Englert C. Williams syndrome. MedlinePlus. February 5, 2008 Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001116.htm. Accessed November 18, 2008.
  3. NINDS Williams Syndrome Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). September 9, 2008 Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/williams/williams.htm. Accessed November 18, 2008.

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