What is meowing cat syndrome? Find out the cause and how to prevent

Cat meow syndrome is also known as Cri du chat syndrome. This syndrome has the potential to cause intellectual limitations, making it difficult for children to move and express words. Join SignsSymptomsList to learn more about cat meow syndrome in the article below.

Cat meowing syndrome (Cri du chat syndrome or squeaking cat disease) is a syndrome caused by a chromosomal deletion mutation, which seriously affects the health of children encountered. Children with meowing cat syndrome often have limited intellectual and motor development. The incidence of cat meow syndrome is about 1 in 50,000 children. 

In the article below, SignsSymptomsList will help you learn more about the signs, causes and prevention of this syndrome.

What is meowing cat syndrome?

What is meowing cat syndrome?

Cat meow syndrome (Cri du chat syndrome) is also known as a syndrome caused by a deletion in the small arm (p arm) of chromosome 5.

The typical sign of a child with cat meow syndrome is that the child has a high-pitched, high-pitched cry, similar to a cat meowing. Usually, this sign appears from infancy and lasts for a few weeks and then disappears.

What are the symptoms of cat meow syndrome?

The symptoms of Cri du chat syndrome vary from case to case. Here are some signs that may be encountered in children with Cri du chat syndrome:

• High-pitched squeaks in the first few weeks of newborns: Characteristic high-pitched meows, similar to those of a cat. However, this sign will gradually decrease as the child gets older.
• Low birth weight, signs of growth deficiency, decreased muscle tone, small head circumference.
• Some distinctive facial features: Unusually plump face, eyes wide apart, crossed eyes, folds of upper eyelids deep inside, folds of eyelid down, wide nose bridge, low ears, high and non-closed palate, abnormally small jaw, cleft lip ...
• Having difficulty acquiring skills that require mental-muscular coordination such as head control, sitting up, walking... However, statistics show that about half of children have cat syndrome Called to be able to dress herself by the age of 5.
• Moderate to severe intellectual disability, speech delay. In addition, some children may be hyperactive or exhibit self-harming behaviors.
• Difficulty eating: Poor suckling, gastroesophageal reflux , pneumonia… The cause of this condition is poor muscle tone of the child. According to one study, only half of children with Cri du chat syndrome were able to feed themselves with a spoon by the age of 3.5 years.
• Having birth defects: About 15-20% of babies with meowing cat syndrome have a congenital heart defect. In addition, children can develop scoliosis, potentially have ear infections and hearing loss.
• In addition, some other less common signs of cat meow syndrome can be mentioned: Abnormalities in the kidneys and urinary system, inguinal hernia, difficulty breathing, sticky fingers, abnormalities in vision. nearsightedness , cataracts), premature graying of hair, recurrent intestinal and respiratory infections...

Children with cat meow syndrome have a cat-like cry

Besides the above signs, Cri du chat syndrome can cause a number of other symptoms. You should consult your doctor if you suspect your child has this syndrome to get the most appropriate treatment.

What causes cat meow syndrome?

The cause of cat meow syndrome is a mutation in the short end of the short arm of chromosome 5 in the diploid human chromosome. 

Only a small percentage of these mutations are caused by genetics. About 10% of cases of Cri du chat syndrome are caused by a parent having a history of a chromosomal abnormality and passing it on to their children. 

Most cases of cat meow syndrome are caused by mutations that arise during the formation of the parent's reproductive cells (sperm and egg), or during early fetal development. According to research, most of the causes of Cri du chat syndrome are due to mutations in the father's sperm. The father's mutated sperm combines with the mother's normal egg to form a zygote with a deletion on chromosome 5, causing cat meow syndrome.

A deletion mutation on chromosome 5 causes meowing cat syndrome

How is cat meow syndrome diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing cat meow syndrome

To be able to diagnose cat meowing syndrome, the doctor will perform a physical examination to detect some characteristic signs such as: palpable inguinal hernia, hypotonic muscles, deep upper eyelid folds, there is a problem with the folds in the outer ear canal…

In addition, you can test chromosomal genetics to detect defects on chromosome 5, thereby providing diagnostic confirmation.

Treating cat meow syndrome

There is no cure for cat meowing syndrome. All treatment measures are aimed only at controlling the symptoms of this syndrome. Therefore, parents of children with the syndrome should consult genetic testing to determine the appropriate treatment of symptoms.

Although the most serious disability caused by meowing cat syndrome is intellectual disability, statistics show that more than half of children with this syndrome can learn enough verbal communication skills over time. time. The baby's cat-like crying will also gradually disappear. Depending on the degree of impairment and other disabilities, Cri du chat syndrome can cause different complications.

In summary, parents should consult a doctor to develop a reasonable child care regimen, thereby reducing symptoms and limiting complications caused by meowing cat syndrome.

Measures to prevent cat meow syndrome

Although there are no specific preventive measures for cat meow syndrome, parents can take some of the following suggested methods to reduce the risk of their children developing this syndrome:

• Ensure a healthy lifestyle and living habits.
• Regular health check-ups.
• Stay away from chemicals and harmful substances.
• Fully vaccinated before and during pregnancy.
• Full routine antenatal check-up.

Routine antenatal check-ups to prevent babies from meowing cat syndrome

Above is the basic information related to cat meow syndrome - a syndrome caused by an abnormality in the human chromosomes. Hopefully, through the above article, readers have learned useful information about cat meow syndrome including signs, causes, treatment and prevention. SignsSymptomsList hopes to continue to receive the support of readers in the future. Wishing all readers good health and peace!