Cri du chat syndrome

Alternative names:

cat cry syndrome; chromosome 5p deletion

Definition:

A group of findings caused by a damaged chromosome. The syndrome's name is based on the infant's cry, which is high pitched and sounds like a cat.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cri du chat syndrome is caused by the deletion of information on chromosome 5. The cause of this rare chromosomal deletion is not known. Infants with cri du chat syndrome commonly have a distinctive cat-like cry. They also have an extensive grouping of abnormalities with severe mental retardation being the most important.