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May 3, 2022 · Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development and function. Find out how to cope with the challenges and get support from experts and other families.
FDA has approved Daybue (trofinetide) oral solution as the first treatment for Rett syndrome, a rare, genetic neurological disorder.
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Rett syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that almost exclusively affects females. A random gene mutation causes it. Almost all patients need caregiver support their whole life. Many children with Rett syndrome live a high quality of life into adulthood.
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What causes Rett syndrome?
Rett syndrome is a genetic syndrome. It occurs because of a mutation (change) in the MECP2 gene. This mutation occurs spontaneously (randomly). It is not usually inherited. The chance of passing down Rett syndrome from a healthy parent to a child is less than 1%. Advertisement
What are the symptoms of Rett syndrome?
Babies may not show any signs of Rett syndrome in the first few months or years of life. As they get older, signs of developmental delays or other symptoms become more apparent. Rett syndrome symptoms primarily affect children’s: Behavioral development. Language skills. Motor skills and especially hand use. About 85% to 90% of people who have Rett syndrome have muscle weakness and slowed growth. These symptoms often occur because children have difficulty swallowing or chewing. Swallowing problems can lead to not eating enough. Other symptoms of Rett syndrome include: Hand-wringing, squeezing or hand-to-mouth movements. Apraxia, a lack of ability to say the correct words or perform familiar movements on command. Breathing issues. Autism-like behaviors, such as lack of eye contact, disinterest in socializing or panic attacks. Balance and coordination challenges. Epilepsy or seizures. Muscle weakness or spasticity.
How does age affect a child’s Rett syndrome symptoms?
Rett syndrome progresses in four stages. Children show slightly different symptoms during each stage. Not everyone goes through every stage. For example, some people with Rett syndrome are never able to walk. Rett syndrome stages are: Stage I, early onset, starts when a child is between 6 and 18 months. Children may show a subtle slowing of development, such as delays in crawling or lack of eye contact. Stage II, rapid progressive stage, usually occurs between ages 1 to 4 years. Children may lose some language skills and use of their hands. They may constantly wring their hands. Some children also experience autism-like behaviors and lack interest in socializing. Stage III, plateau or pseudo-stationary stage, usually occurs between ages 2 and 10. This stage can last for years. Children’s behavior may improve, but they may lose motor function. Seizures are also common during this stage. Stage IV, late motor deterioration stage, may occur at any time after stage III. Children typically lose some walking skills, mobility and muscle strength. But in this stage, most people keep their communication and thinking abilities. Advertisement
How is Rett syndrome diagnosed?
Usually, parents first notice symptoms of Rett syndrome during a child’s early years. Healthcare providers who suspect that a child may have Rett syndrome use a genetic test to look for the MECP2 gene mutation. This genetic screening is a blood test. It doesn’t require any special preparation or a hospital stay.
How is Rett syndrome treated?
Rett syndrome treatment varies based on specific symptoms. For example, children who have seizures may take antiseizure medications. For difficulty with motor skills and language, children may benefit from: Occupational therapy. Physical therapy. Speech therapy. Your child may need care from other specialists, such as: Neurologists. Nutritionists. Psychiatrists. Gastroenterologists.
What are the complications of Rett syndrome?
Some Rett syndrome symptoms can increase a child’s risk of health complications. For example, swallowing problems or breathing issues can lead to a risk of aspiration pneumonia. This type of pneumonia occurs when food, saliva or other liquids go into the lungs instead of the stomach. Children who have scoliosis may also develop lung problems. Uncontrolled seizures also can increase the risk of health complications.
Is there a cure for Rett syndrome?
There is no cure for Rett syndrome. When children receive appropriate treatment, they often manage their symptoms effectively into adulthood. Care at Cleveland Clinic Neurology Care for Adults Neurology Care for Children Make an Appointment
How can I prevent Rett syndrome?
Because a random gene mutation causes Rett syndrome, there is nothing parents can do to prevent it. However, if you have a family member with Rett syndrome, you may ask your healthcare provider about genetic testing. Genetic counselors can guide prospective parents about health risks and possible treatment options.
What is the outlook for people with Rett syndrome?
The long-term effects of Rett syndrome can vary significantly. Almost all people with Rett syndrome will need caregiver support for their whole life. Many people with Rett syndrome live a high quality of life well into their 40s and beyond. For some people, other health complications may shorten life expectancy.
What conditions are related to Rett syndrome?
Some neurological disorders share similar symptoms with Rett syndrome. Some of these conditions include: Angelman syndrome causes developmental delays and involuntary movements. CDKL5 can lead to seizures and severe impairment of the brain . FOXG-1 disorders can lead to seizures, developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.
What else should I ask my doctor?
You may want to ask your healthcare provider: How can I support my child’s development? What specialists should my child see? What changes should I expect to see in my child over time? Can I care for my child at home, or do I need outside support? How much and what type of regular medical care will my child need? Should I or my other children be tested for the gene mutation that causes Rett syndrome? A note from Cleveland Clinic Rett syndrome is a rare neurological disorder. Many children show few to no symptoms in their first year of life. Then development slows as a child gets older. The severity of Rett syndrome symptoms can vary significantly. Almost all patients need caregiver support throughout their entire life. With treatment, many patients learn to manage their symptoms and live a high quality of life into adulthood. As knowledge and support about the disorder grow, more people with Rett syndrome have close to typical life expectancy. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/06/2021. Learn more about our editorial process.
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects mostly girls and causes developmental delays, seizures and motor problems. Learn about the stages, diagnosis and treatment options for this condition.
Learn about the various treatments for Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development and function. Find out how physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies, feeding assistance, medication, and surgery can help people with Rett syndrome participate in school and community activities.
Nov 28, 2023 · Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects brain development and causes severe symptoms. Learn about the new drug Trofinetide, approved by the FDA in 2023, and other treatments for Rett syndrome.
Jun 27, 2023 · The US FDA recently approved the first-ever treatment for Rett syndrome, a rare and debilitating neurological disorder diagnosed almost exclusively in girls. We spoke with UCSF’s Director of Katie’s Clinic for Rett Syndrome, pediatric neurologist Dr. Tu, to learn more about the new drug and what it means for the Rett community.
Newer therapies are now available for the treatment of Rett syndrome, but questions remain about how to integrate them into care, particularly in community-based settings.
