Question

If a newborn makes a meowing sound and is premature, parents may worry that their child has Cat Cry Syndrome. What are the characteristic symptoms of this syndrome?

Answer

Cat Cry Syndrome is a genetic disorder associated with chromosomal abnormalities, and its main symptoms include:

  1. Cat-like cry: This is a typical symptom during the neonatal period.
  2. Special facial features: A small head, an asymmetric round face with a startled expression; widely spaced eyes, with skin tags at the inner corners and downward slanting eyes, occasionally with strabismus or cataracts; a broad nasal bridge, small chin, and sometimes cleft lip and palate; low-set ears, underdeveloped, and a short neck.
  3. Neurological issues: During the neonatal period, there is low muscle strength and obvious intellectual development delays, such as being able to sit steadily at 2 years old and walking independently at 4 years old. In adulthood, there may be hyperactivity and destructive behavior.