Chromosome 5p deletion syndrome; 5p minus syndrome; Cat cry syndrome
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.
Cri du chat syndrome is rare. It is caused by a missing piece of chromosome 5.
Most cases are believed to occur during the development of the egg or sperm. A small number of cases occur when a parent passes a different, rearranged form of the chromosome to their child.
Symptoms include:
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. This may show:
Genetic tests can show a missing part of chromosome 5. Skull x-ray may reveal any problems with the shape of the base of the skull.
There is no specific treatment. Your provider 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.
More information and support for people with Cri du chat syndrome and their families can be found at:
Intellectual disability is common. One half of children with this syndrome learn enough verbal skills to communicate. The cat-like cry becomes less noticeable over time.
Complications depend on the amount of intellectual disability and physical problems. Symptoms may affect the person's ability to care for themselves.
This syndrome is most often diagnosed at birth. Your provider will discuss your baby's symptoms with you. It is important to continue regular visits with the child's providers after leaving the hospital.
Genetic counseling and testing is recommended for all people with a family history of this syndrome.
There is no known prevention. Couples with a family history of this syndrome who wish to become pregnant may consider genetic counseling.
Bacino CA, Lee B. Cytogenetics. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 98.
Madan-Khetarpal S, Arnold G, Ortiz D. Genetic disorders and dysmorphic conditions. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 1.
BACK TO TOPReview Date: 9/18/2023
Reviewed By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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