Appearance of such wounds and bruises may wrongly lead to suspicion of physical abuse. Individuals with PWS must be supervised at all times in all settings where food is accessible. Those who have normal weight have achieved this because of strict external control of their diet and food intake. Although most premature deaths are attributable to morbid obesity, cases unrelated to obesity have recently been noted, leading PWSA to begin a formal investigation of causes of death. When a child or adult with PWS dies, the family may wish to consider donation of organs for research.
Prompt action is essential for tissue preservation.