Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Clinical and etiopathogenic aspects of a model genomic imprinting entity

The Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is the most common genetic entity in overgrowth, with an approximate incidence of 1 in 10 000-13 700 births. Its broad clinical spectrum includes pre- and postnatal macrosomia, macroglossia, pinna abnormalities, abdominal wall defects, visceromegaly, and hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. This syndrome predisposes to childhood cancer and is caused by diverse genetic and/or epigenetic disorders that usually affect the regulation of genes imprinted on chromosome 11p15.5. The knowledge of (epi) genotype-phenotype correlations has prompted recommendations to propose different health care strategies, including tumor surveillance protocols based on molecular classification, aimed at standardizing clinical practice. The objective of this article is to describe the current status of the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a model of genomic imprinting.