The life expectancy of a person with Cri du Chat syndrome is generally good.
Many children with Cri du Chat syndrome live well into middle age and beyond.
However, there are a few key manifestations of the condition that are noticeable from birth.
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The condition tends to affect females more often than males and is diagnosed in people of all ethnic backgrounds.
While Cri du Chat is related to genes, it’s not necessarily aninherited condition.
Most cases occurde novo(or spontaneously) during embryonic development.
Researchers aren’t sure why these deletions happen.
The parents of a baby born with Cri du Chat because of a spontaneous deletion will have normal chromosomes.
In some cases, the condition occurs because genes aretranslocatedfrom one chromosome to another.
This causes genetic material to be rearranged.
The key physical features of the condition, particularly microcephaly, are readily identifiable in newborns.
If the latter is the case, there are tests that can identify which parent has the translocated gene.
Treatment for Cri du Chat Syndrome
The severity of Cri du Chat exists on a spectrum.
After the birth of a child with Cri du Chat, parents are usually referred for genetic counseling.
The majority of children diagnosed with Cri du Chat begin some form of therapy before their first birthday.
This often includes a combination ofphysical, occupational, andspeech therapy.
Some families choose to homeschool children with Cri du Chat or enroll them in specially designed schools or programs.
Symptom-related deaths tend to occur within the first year of life.
However, complications from the features of Cri du Chat syndrome can occur.
Poor muscle tone and sucking can lead to the development ofaspiration pneumoniain some infants.
Patients with Cri du Chat syndrome are also more prone toear infectionsandhearing loss.
However, people who have Cri du Chat are not always able to live independently.
Many adults with the condition will need supportive health, social,case management, and vocational services.
Complications related to this condition, or those that commonly co-occur with it, can cause serious health problems.
Treatment is specialized to the needs of each child.
Most people with Cri du Chat live well into middle age and beyond.
Talk to a healthcare provider about genetic testing if you are concerned about Cri du Chat syndrome.
Health and social services as well as genetic counseling are available to assist families.
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