Treatment:

No specific treatment is available for this syndrome. The mental retardation must be addressed, and counseling is recommended for the parents.

Parents of a child with this syndrome should have genetic counseling and a karyotype test to determine if one parent has a rearrangement of chromosome 5.

Support Groups:

5p- Society -- www.fivepminus.org

Expectations (prognosis):

What can be expected varies, but mental retardation is usual. Half of children with Cri du chat syndrome learn sufficient verbal skills to communicate. The cat-like cry becomes less apparent over time.

Complications:

Complications depend on the extent of mental retardation and physical abnormalities. Complications may include:

• Inability to care for self
• Inability to function in society

Calling your health care provider:

This is a diagnosis that is generally made in the hospital at birth. Your health care provider will discuss your baby's signs and symptoms with you. When you leave the hospital, it's important to maintain regular contact with your health care provider and other caregivers. Genetic counseling and testing is recommended for all persons with a family history of this syndrome.