Alternate Names : Chromosome 5p deletion syndrome, 5p minus syndrome, Cat cry syndrome
Definition
Cri du chat syndrome is a group of symptoms that result from missing a piece of chromosome number 5. The syndrome’s name is based on the infant’s cry, which is high-pitched and sounds like a cat.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Cri du chat syndrome is rare. It happens when genetic information on chromosome 5 is missing. One missing piece, called TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) is involved in control of cell growth, and may play a role in how some of the features of this syndrome develop.
Most cases are believed to occur during the development of the egg or sperm. A minority of cases result from one parent carrying a rearrangement of chromosome 5 called a translocation and passing this on to the baby.
This syndrome may account for up to 1% of individuals with severe mental retardation.
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Cri du chat syndrome : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Cri du chat syndrome : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Cri du chat syndrome : Treatment
Review Date : 8/26/2009
Reviewed By : Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Winston-Salem, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
