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Cri du chat syndrome - Treatment

Alternative Names

Chromosome 5p deletion syndrome; 5p minus syndrome; Cat cry syndrome

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment. Your doctor will suggest ways to treat or manage the symptoms.

Parents of a child with this syndrome should have genetic counseling and testing to determine if one parent has a change in chromosome 5.

Support Groups:

5p- Society -- www.fivepminus.org

Expectations (prognosis):

Intellectual disability (mental retardation) is common. Half of children with this syndrome learn enough verbal skills to communicate. The cat-like cry becomes less noticeable over time.

Complications:

Complications depend on the amount of intellectual disability (mental retardation) and physical problems. Symptoms may affect the person's ability to care for themself.

Calling your health care provider:

This syndrome is usually diagnosed at birth. Your health care provider will discuss your baby's symptoms with you. It is important to continue regular visits with the child's health care providers after leaving the hospital.

Genetic counseling and testing is recommended for all persons with a family history of this syndrome.

Reviewed last on: 8/4/2011
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.

References

Descartes M, Carroll AJ. Cytogenetics. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 81.

Chromosome

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