Dandy-Walker Syndrome Linked to Chromosome 3,9,13 & 18

Dandy-Walker syndrome is a birth defect that has significant health ramifications in the child who suffers from this condition. As the parent of a child who has been diagnosed wit this complication, it is important to understand how your child's health may be adversely affected by the chromosomal implications.

Approximately one out of every 30,000 live births results in some form of Dandy-Walker syndrome. With the development of hydrocephalus as the most common indicator, children with this disorder are believed to experience a chromosomal defect that leads to facial and cranial malformations in addition to neurological complications. Among these, your child may experience central nervous system complications, as well as complications involving cleft palate and even vision, kidney, liver and pancreatic disease.

Once your child has been confirmed with Dandy-Walker syndrome, it is important to development a healthcare team that will carry and mange your child's various health conditions under the umbrella of a life care plan. Because the exact cause and origin of your child's DWS development is not known, the healthcare team will want to assess those issues involving complications that arise from genetic defects at chromosome 3, 9, 13 and 18.

In many cases of DWS, there are multiple genes involved. If your family history provides some indication there is a risk for the genetic disorder to develop, you may want to meet with a genetic counselor to ascertain any preliminary complications along these particular genes.

Because hydrocephalus and neural tube defects are the most common in children with Dandy-Walker syndrome, this may be the most immediate concern for the team of neonatologists who should be prepared to assist in your child's care at the time of delivery. In the days and weeks after birth, the care of the neurological complications will be the most important as they will lay the foundation for the future child growth and development for your infant.

While unfortunate, many children diagnosed with Dandy-Walker syndrome do not survive many years, primarily due to the complications arising out of the various genetic complications. While there are some healthcare issues that can be managed with the right pediatric team of specialists, most children with DWS simply can not manage to feed, immobilize and live independently. As the parent of a child with Dandy-Walker syndrome, it is important to understand how each genetic complication may adversely impact the lifespan of your child and find ways in which to manage those aggressively.