Cri du chat syndrome (aka chromosome 5p deletion syndrome, Lejeune's syndrome, from French meaning "cat cry") is a rare genetic disorder, due to a deletion from chromosome 5.

• Characteristic cat-like cry, similar to that of a meowing kitten, due to problems w/ larynx and nervous system. 33% of kids lose the cry by 2yo
• Feeding problems because of difficulty swallowing and sucking
• Low birth weight and poor growth
• Severe cognitive, speech, and motor delays
• behavioral problems, e.g. hyperactivity, aggression, tantrums, repetitive movements
• Unusual facial features which may change over time
• Excessive drooling
• Small head and jaw
• Wide eyes
• Skin tags in front of eyes
• Hypotonia
• Microecaphy
• Growth retardation
• Round face with full cheeks
• Hypertelorism
• Epicanthal folds
• Down-slanting palpebral fissures
• Strabismus
• Flat nasal bridge
• Down-turned mouth
• Micrognathia
• Low-set ears
• Short fingers
• Single palmar creases
• Cardiac defects, e.g. VSD (ventricular septal defect), ASD (atrial septal defect), PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), tetralogy of Fallot
• Infertility is NOT associated w/ Cri du chat

• Affects 1 in 50,000 live births
• Affects all ethnicities
• Is more common in females by 4:3