Cri-Du-Chat Syndrome

Cri-Du-Chat Syndrome
By:Connor Chupka
Cri-Du-Chat Syndrome is an illness that affects all ages but almost always affects children first. The accidental and random deletion of a piece of the 5th chromosome causes several physicaltraitss to the affected. Several obvious but not life threatening traits include a single line across the palms, wide set eyes, webbed toes or fingers, and folds of skin over eyes. Many people experience common symptoms of motor control and speech issues. There is no cure for the disease currently. The disease's origin is in France where its name roughly translates to "Cry of the cat". This is for the high pitch cry associated with affected infants. However, various therapies and educational assistance can help most to live relatively normal, happy lives. This disease is also known in various forms as, 5P deletion syndrome or -5Psyndrome and other various aliases.One major support group is the Cri-Du-Chat Support Group of Australia. Research is underway, but a cure is not currently available. With aid from various support groups like the previously mentioned group above, a cure or better treatments will become available in the future.