Cri-du-chat Sentence Examples
The deletion that causes cri du chat syndrome occurs on the short or p arm of chromosome 5.
Absence of this material results in the features associated with cri du chat syndrome.
A high-pitched mewing cry during infancy is a classic feature of cri du chat.
Infants with cri du chat also typically have low birth weight, slow growth, a small head (microcephaly), and poor muscle tone (hypotonia).
Infants with cri du chat may also have congenital heart defects, language difficulties, delayed motor skill development, scoliosis, and varying degrees of mental retardation.
It has been estimated that cri du chat syndrome occurs in one of every 50,000 live births.
According to the 5p minus Society, approximately 50 to 60 children are born with cri du chat syndrome in the United States each year.
In 90 percent of children with cri du chat syndrome, the deletion is sporadic.
If a child has cri du chat due to a sporadic deletion, the chance the parents could have another child with cri du chat is 1 percent.
If a parent has this rearrangement, the risk for their having a child with cri du chat is greater than 1 percent.
AdvertisementAs children with cri du chat get older, the cat-like cry becomes less noticeable.
In addition to the catlike cry, individuals with cri du chat also have unusual facial features.
During infancy many children with cri du chat do not gain weight or grow normally.
Approximately 30 percent of infants with cri du chat have a congenital heart defect.
A doctor should be consulted if a child exhibits symptoms typical of cri du chat syndrome.
AdvertisementDuring infancy, the diagnosis of cri du chat syndrome is strongly suspected if the characteristic cat-like cry is heard.
If a child has this unusual cry or other features seen in cri du chat syndrome, chromosome testing should be performed.
Chromosome analysis provides the definitive diagnosis of cri du chat syndrome and can be performed from a blood test.
The majority of the deletions that cause cri du chat syndrome can be identified using the FISH technique.
As of 2004, there is no cure for cri du chat syndrome.
AdvertisementIndividuals with cri du chat have a 10 percent mortality during infancy due to complications associated with congenital heart defects, hypotonia, and feeding difficulties.
Once these problems are controlled, most individuals with cri du chat syndrome have a normal lifespan.
With extensive early intervention and special schooling, many cri du chat children can develop adequate social, motor, and language skills.
As of 2004, cri du chat syndrome had no known prevention.
This testing would only be recommended if the mother or father is known to have a chromosome rearrangement, or if they already have a child with cri du chat syndrome.
AdvertisementSupport groups are often good sources of information about cri du chat syndrome; they can offer helpful suggestions about living with it as well as emotional support.