Cat's cry
Occurring during infancy, a mewing, kittenlike sound is the primary indicator of cat's cry syndrome (also known as cri du chat). This syndrome affects about 1 in 50,000 neonates and causes profound mental retardation and failure to thrive. Most of those affected can have a normal life span; however, a few have serious organ defects and other life-threatening medical conditions.
GENDER CUE: Cat's cry syndrome affects females more commonly than males.
The chromosomal defect responsible (deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5) usually appears spontaneously, but may be inherited from a carrier parent. The characteristic cry is thought to result from abnormal laryngeal development.
Emergency interventions
Suspect cat's cry syndrome if you detect a kittenlike cry in a neonate. Be alert for signs of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring; irregular, shallow respirations; cyanosis; and a respiratory rate over 60 breaths/minute. Be prepared to suction the neonate and to administer warmed oxygen. Keep emergency resuscitation equipment nearby because bradycardia may develop.
History and physical examination
Perform a physical examination, and note abnormalities. If you detect cat's cry in an older infant, ask the parents when it developed. The sudden onset of an abnormal cry in an infant with a previously normal, vigorous cry suggests other disorders. (See “Cry, highpitched,” page 179.)
Medical causes
Cat's cry syndrome.
A kittenlike cry begins at birth or shortly thereafter. It's accompanied by profound mental retardation, microcephaly, low birth weight, hypotonia, failure to thrive, and feeding difficulties. Typically, the neonate has a round face with wide-set eyes; strabismus; a broad-based nose with oblique or down-sloping epicanthal folds; abnormally shaped, low-set ears; and an unusually small jaw. She may also have a short neck, webbed fingers, and a simian crease. Other abnormalities may include heart defects and GI abnormalities.
Special considerations
Connect the neonate to an apnea monitor, and check for signs of respiratory distress. Keep suction equipment and warmed oxygen available. Obtain a blood sample for chromosomal analysis. Prepare the neonate for a computed tomography scan to rule out other causes of microcephaly and for an ear, nose, and throat examination to evaluate vocal cords.
Because the neonate with cat's cry syndrome is usually a poor eater, monitor her intake, output, and weight. Instruct the parents to offer small, frequent feedings. Prepare the parents to work long-term with a team of specialists. The team should include various fields, including genetics, neurology, cardiology, and speech and language to name a few. Have a counselor or support group available for the parents and family.
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)
- Author(s): Springhouse
- Year of Publication: 2006
- Copyright Details: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), Copyright © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Other Book Chapters Related to Crying infant
Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Crying infant:
Medical Books Excerpts
- Cat's cry
- "Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Cat's cry
- "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Cat's cry
- "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Crying
- "The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult" (2008)
- [ read ]
Copyright Details: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.
More About Causes of Crying infant
» Next page: Cry, high-pitched [Cerebral cry] (Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
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