Cri-Du-Chat Syndrome Research Paper

Cri-du-chat syndrome is known by many different names, such as: cat-cry syndrome, chromosome 5 deletion syndrome, 5 minus syndrome, or Lejeune's syndrome. It’s a very rare condition, estimated to only affect 1 in every 50,00 live births. Cri-du-chat syndrome is more common in females, with a ratio of 4:3. About 50 or 60 children are born with Cri-du-chat syndrome each year.
The disorder got it’s name from a French term that means cat-cry, or call of the cat. It was given it’s name because of the distinctive cry that the infants make. Approximately one third of affected children lose the cry by the time they are two years of age.
Aside from the cry, cri-du-chat syndrome has many other distinctive symptom that make it so easy to diagnose. Some symptoms may include: difficulty sucking or swallowing, unusual facial features, excessive drooling, low

Children with this disorder often have intellectual disabilities and heart defects. Most individuals who have 5p- Syndrome have difficulty with language. Some become able to use short sentences, while others express themselves with a few basic words, gestures, or sign language.
People affected with this disorder may also have symptoms or features like growth retardation, a round face with full cheeks, a flat nasal bridge, downturned mouths,low set ears, and short fingers.
Cri-du-chat syndrome can usually be easily diagnosed in an infant by their distinct cry accompanying physical problems. Children with this disorder are typically diagnosed at birth by a nurse or a doctor.
Years ago, it was common to place children with 5p- syndrome in institutions with other severely retarded individuals.
During the early 1980’s, research revealed that those raised in family settings with the benefit of early intervention programs made remarkable progress, far exceeding the expectations of doctors who first described the