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

Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2021 Jul 21;16(1):325. doi: 10.1186/s13023-021-01949-4.

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; Obesity; Oxytocin; Prader-Willi syndrome; SARS-CoV-2.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Young Adult