of the Southwest

Cri-du-chat syndrome (CDCS) refers to a unique combination of physical and mental characteristics associated with a loss of genetic material on the distal short arm of the fifth chromosome. Also called 5p- syndrome, 5p monosomy, or Cat Cry syndrome it was first identified by Dr. Jerome Lejeune in 1963, and so named because of the distinctive cry in infancy that resembles the mewing of a cat. This overview present basic phenotypical and genotypical aspects of the syndrome. In addition, it reports the change in prognosis for this population. Finally it offers some insight from researchers familiar with Cri-du-chat Syndrome