How often does cri-du-chat occur?

Cri-du-chat (cat's cry) syndrome, also known as 5p- (5p minus) syndrome, is a chromosomal condition that results when a piece of chromosome 5 is missing. Infants with this condition often have a high-pitched cry that sounds like that of a cat. read more

Most cases of cri-du-chat syndrome are not inherited. The deletion occurs most often as a random event during the formation of reproductive cells (eggs or sperm) or in early fetal development. Affected people typically have no history of the disorder in their family. read more

Some are also at risk for aspiration which can lead to pneumonias. In one study, only 50% of children with cri du chat syndrome were able to feed themselves with a spoon by 3.5 years of age. A variety of additional findings may occur in association with cri du chat syndrome. read more

An inherited variation occurs in 10% of Cri du Chat patients. This is the result of one of the parents being a carrier of a balanced chromosomal translocation or inversion involving the p arm of chromosome 5. If the mutated/altered chromosome is passed on to the offspring the child will exhibit Cri du Chat. read more