Final answer:
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) poses several health risks for infants and children due to genetic abnormalities that disrupt hypothalamic functions, leading to uncontrolled appetite, developmental delays, and cognitive deficits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infants and children with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) are at risk for several secondary conditions because of the genetic abnormalities of the condition. PWS is characterized by persistent feelings of intense hunger, reduced rates of metabolism, developmental delays, and often leads to severe obesity and cognitive deficits. The syndrome occurs due to the loss of function of specific genes on chromosome 15, and while it is not generally inherited, the genetic changes typically occur during the formation of the egg or sperm, or during embryonic development.
Due to the complex nature of PWS, affected individuals exhibit symptoms such as lack of muscle tone, poor sucking behavior in infants, and cognitive deficits as they grow older. The hypothalamic abnormalities present in individuals with PWS affect various functions, including hunger and sexual maturation. Although there is no current treatment or cure for PWS, life expectancy can be significantly increased if weight is controlled through supervision and, potentially, the use of psychoactive medications and growth hormones.