Question
The child’s cry is abnormal, sometimes resembling a cat’s meow. After examination, it was diagnosed as Cri du Chat syndrome. I would like to know what symptoms are typically associated with this condition?
Answer
The symptoms of Cri du Chat syndrome include a small, round-shaped head, facial asymmetry with a startled appearance; widened eye spacing, excessive skin on the inner eyelids, downward slanting eyes, strabismus, cataracts, and optic nerve atrophy; wide nasal bridge, small chin, occasional cleft lip and palate, malocclusion, low ear placement, underdevelopment, and a short neck. During the neonatal period, there is low muscle strength, significant intellectual impairment, and delayed development. For example, a child may not be able to sit steadily until the age of 2 and may not walk independently until the age of 4. In adulthood, there may be hyperactivity and destructive behavior.