Zespół retta
Objawy

Zespół Retta to rzadkie, genetyczne zaburzenie neurologiczne, które manifestuje się głównie u dziewcząt z częstością 1:10 000-15 000 żywych urodzeń. Choroba charakteryzuje się początkowo prawidłowym rozwojem do 6-18 miesiąca życia, po czym następuje regresja umiejętności motorycznych i językowych, w tym utrata celowych ruchów rąk, mowy oraz zdolności chodzenia. Typowe objawy obejmują mikrocefalię (obwód głowy do 2 odchyleń standardowych poniżej normy do 2 roku życia), spowolnienie wzrostu i masy ciała (masa ciała poniżej 2 percentyla w wieku 13 lat), powtarzające się stereotypowe ruchy rąk (pocieranie, klaskanie, wykręcanie), napady padaczkowe, zaburzenia oddychania (hiperwentylacja, zatrzymanie oddechu), skoliozę oraz zaburzenia snu. Choroba przebiega przez cztery stadia: wczesną regresję (6-18 miesięcy), szybki spadek funkcji (1-4 lata), stabilizację z napadami padaczkowymi (2-10 lat) oraz późną deteriorację motoryczną (po 10 roku życia). Diagnostyka opiera się na obserwacji klinicznej i historii rozwojowej, a potwierdzenie genetyczne mutacji MECP2 jest kluczowe.

Zespół Retta – charakterystyka ogólna

Zespół Retta to rzadkie genetyczne zaburzenie neurologiczne i rozwojowe, które wpływa na sposób rozwoju mózgu, powodując postępującą utratę umiejętności motorycznych i językowych. Choroba ta występuje głównie u dziewcząt, dotykając około 1 na 10 000-15 000 żywych urodzeń płci żeńskiej, choć w rzadkich przypadkach mogą być dotknięci również chłopcy, u których objawy są zwykle cięższe i pojawiają się wcześniej niż u dziewcząt12.

Większość niemowląt z zespołem Retta wydaje się rozwijać prawidłowo przez pierwsze 6-18 miesięcy życia. Następnie dzieci te tracą umiejętności, które wcześniej nabyły, takie jak zdolność raczkowania, chodzenia, komunikowania się czy używania rąk. Z czasem u dzieci z zespołem Retta pojawiają się narastające problemy z używaniem mięśni, które kontrolują ruch, koordynację i komunikację. Zespół Retta może również powodować napady padaczkowe i niepełnosprawność intelektualną3.

Charakterystycznym objawem są nietypowe ruchy rąk, takie jak powtarzające się pocieranie lub klaskanie, które zastępują celowe używanie rąk. Najbardziej wyraźne zmiany występują zazwyczaj między 12 a 18 miesiącem życia, w ciągu tygodni lub miesięcy. Objawy i ich nasilenie różnią się znacznie u poszczególnych dzieci45.

Główne objawy zespołu Retta

Główne oznaki i objawy zespołu Retta obejmują67:

Spowolniony wzrost

Wzrost mózgu zwalnia po urodzeniu. Mniejszy niż zwykle obwód głowy (mikrocefalia) jest czasami pierwszym objawem, że dziecko ma zespół Retta. Wraz z dorastaniem dzieci następuje opóźniony wzrost w innych częściach ciała. Do 2 roku życia średni obwód głowy jest o dwa odchylenia standardowe poniżej średniej. Spowolnienie masy ciała i wzrostu następuje później, przy czym średnia masa ciała spada poniżej normy w 13 miesiącu życia i nadal spada, osiągając drugi percentyl w wieku 13 lat. Średni wzrost jest odnotowywany jako poniżej normy w 18 miesiącu życia i jest o dwa odchylenia standardowe poniżej normy w wieku 12 lat89.

Utrata zdolności ruchowych i koordynacji

Pierwsze objawy często obejmują zmniejszoną kontrolę nad rękami i malejącą zdolność do raczkowania lub chodzenia. Początkowo utrata tych zdolności następuje szybko, a następnie postępuje bardziej stopniowo. W końcu mięśnie stają się słabe lub sztywne, z nietypowym ruchem i ułożeniem. Trudności z równowagą i umiejętnościami motorycznymi są powszechne, prowadząc do niestabilnego ruchu i, w wielu przypadkach, do ostatecznej utraty zdolności samodzielnego chodzenia1011.

Utrata zdolności komunikacyjnych

Dzieci z zespołem Retta zazwyczaj zaczynają tracić zdolność mówienia, nawiązywania kontaktu wzrokowego i komunikowania się w inny sposób. Mogą stać się niezainteresowane innymi ludźmi, zabawkami i otoczeniem. U niektórych dzieci dochodzi do gwałtownych zmian, takich jak nagła utrata języka. Z czasem dzieci mogą stopniowo odzyskać kontakt wzrokowy i rozwinąć niewerbalne umiejętności komunikacyjne12.

Częściowa lub całkowita utrata wcześniej nabytych umiejętności mowy jest powszechna. Ze względu na trudności w komunikacji, osoby mogą wykazywać mniejsze zainteresowanie otoczeniem, zabawkami, a nawet interakcją z innymi, co może prowadzić do izolacji13.

Nietypowe ruchy rąk

Dzieci z zespołem Retta zazwyczaj rozwijają powtarzające się, bezcelowe ruchy rąk, które różnią się u poszczególnych dzieci. Ruchy rąk mogą obejmować wykręcanie rąk, ściskanie, klaskanie, stukanie lub pocieranie14.

Częste powtarzające się ruchy rąk, w tym wykręcanie, ściskanie i klaskanie, występują często i często zastępują celowe funkcje rąk. Osoby często tracą zdolność używania rąk do celowych zadań, takich jak trzymanie przedmiotów czy samodzielne jedzenie, co prowadzi do zwiększonej zależności od opiekunów i trudności w codziennych czynnościach1516.

Dodatkowe objawy zespołu Retta

Inne oznaki i objawy mogą obejmować1718:

Nietypowe ruchy oczu

Dzieci z zespołem Retta mają tendencję do nietypowych ruchów oczu, takich jak intensywne wpatrywanie się, mruganie, zezowanie lub zamykanie jednego oka na raz. Unikalne wyrazy twarzy i długotrwałe wpatrywanie się oczami często pojawiają się jako alternatywne środki komunikacji, przy czym osoby używają oczu do przekazywania potrzeb lub emocji, gdy inne metody komunikacji są trudne1920.

Problemy z oddychaniem

Obejmują zatrzymywanie oddechu, szybkie oddychanie (hiperwentylację), forsowne wydmuchiwanie powietrza lub śliny oraz połykanie powietrza. Te problemy zwykle występują w godzinach czuwania. Inne zaburzenia oddychania, takie jak płytki oddech lub krótkie okresy zatrzymania oddechu (bezdechy) mogą wystąpić podczas snu21.

Nieregularne wzorce oddychania, w tym hiperwentylacja, zatrzymywanie oddechu lub płytki oddech, są powszechne i mogą wystąpić zarówno podczas czuwania, jak i snu, czasami przyczyniając się do dodatkowych powikłań zdrowotnych22.

Drażliwość i płacz

Dzieci z zespołem Retta mogą stawać się coraz bardziej pobudzone i drażliwe w miarę dorastania. Okresy płaczu lub krzyku mogą zacząć się nagle, bez widocznego powodu i trwać godzinami. U niektórych dzieci mogą wystąpić lęki i niepokój23.

Niepełnosprawność intelektualna

Utrata umiejętności może być związana z utratą zdolności myślenia, rozumienia i uczenia się24.

Napady padaczkowe

Większość osób z zespołem Retta doświadcza napadów padaczkowych w jakimś momencie swojego życia. Mogą wystąpić różne typy napadów, które są związane ze zmianami w elektroencefalogramie (EEG)25.

Wiele osób doświadcza napadów padaczkowych, które mogą różnić się częstotliwością i nasileniem, często wymagając starannego zarządzania lekami i monitorowania26.

Skolioza

Skolioza jest powszechna w zespole Retta. Zazwyczaj zaczyna się między 8 a 11 rokiem życia i postępuje z wiekiem. Operacja może być konieczna, jeśli krzywizna jest poważna27.

Skrzywienie kręgosłupa (skolioza) często rozwija się u dzieci z zespołem Retta, co może wpływać na komfort, mobilność i jakość życia, często wymaga interwencji terapeutycznych28.

Nieregularny rytm serca

Jest to zagrażający życiu problem dla wielu dzieci i dorosłych z zespołem Retta i może prowadzić do nagłej śmierci29.

Zaburzenia snu

Problemy z rytmem snu mogą obejmować nieregularne godziny snu, zasypianie w ciągu dnia i czuwanie w nocy lub budzenie się w nocy z płaczem lub krzykiem30.

Osoby często mają zaburzony rytm snu, w tym trudności z zasypianiem, utrzymaniem snu lub doświadczaniem regenerującego snu, co może wpływać zarówno na samopoczucie dziecka, jak i opiekunów31.

Inne objawy

Może wystąpić wiele innych objawów, takich jak zmniejszona reakcja na ból; małe dłonie i stopy, które są zwykle zimne; problemy z żuciem i połykaniem; problemy z funkcjonowaniem jelit; i zgrzytanie zębami32.

Stadia zespołu Retta

Zespół Retta jest powszechnie dzielony na cztery stadia3334:

Stadium 1: Wczesny początek

Objawy i oznaki są subtelne i łatwe do przeoczenia podczas pierwszego stadium, które zaczyna się między 6 a 18 miesiącem życia. Stadium 1 może trwać kilka miesięcy lub rok. Niemowlęta w tym stadium mogą wykazywać mniej kontaktu wzrokowego i zaczynają tracić zainteresowanie zabawkami. Mogą również mieć opóźnienia w siedzeniu lub raczkowania35.

Podczas tego etapu, rozwój dzieci zaczyna się opóźniać. Obejmuje to trudności z siedzeniem, raczkowaniem i chodzeniem, brak zainteresowania zabawkami, nietypowe ruchy rąk, problemy z rozwojem mowy, obniżony tonus mięśniowy (hipotonia)36.

Symptomy w stadium 1 mogą być bardzo subtelne. Dziecko może mieć opóźnione siadanie lub raczkowanie, może nie być tak zainteresowane zabawkami, może mieć mniej kontaktu wzrokowego37.

Stadium 2: Szybka regresja

Początek drugiego stadium następuje między 1 a 4 rokiem życia. Utrata umiejętności może być szybka lub bardziej stopniowa, występując przez tygodnie lub miesiące. Dzieci tracą zdolność do wykonywania wcześniej nabytych umiejętności, takich jak celowe ruchy rąk, umiejętności społeczne oraz mówienie. Pojawiają się typowe dla zespołu Retta objawy, takie jak spowolniony wzrost głowy, nieprawidłowe ruchy rąk, hiperwentylacja, krzyk lub płacz bez widocznego powodu, problemy z ruchem i koordynacją oraz utrata interakcji społecznych i komunikacji38.

To stadium zazwyczaj jest obserwowane między 1 a 4 rokiem życia. Czas trwania tego etapu może wynosić od dwóch miesięcy do dwóch lat. Główne objawy stadium 2 to: utrata wcześniej nabytych umiejętności motorycznych, komunikacyjnych i społecznych, utrata zdolności celowego używania rąk. Zamiast tego pacjenci wykazują nieprawidłowe ruchy rąk, takie jak ściskanie, ściskanie lub klaskanie, wystukiwanie rytmu i ruchy mycia rąk, wady mowy, drażliwość charakteryzująca się krzykiem lub płaczem bez powodu, problemy z mobilnością i koordynacją, w tym niestabilny chód, zmniejszony obwód głowy (nabyta mikrocefalia), pojawienie się problemów z oddychaniem, takich jak szybki oddech i wstrzymywanie oddechu39.

Dziecko traci nabyte umiejętności, takie jak używanie rąk i zdolności mówienia. Może mieć ataki paniki, nieprawidłowe, niekontrolowane ruchy rąk (takie jak wykręcanie lub klaskanie), problemy z ruchem, równowagą i koordynacją, opóźniony wzrost głowy, problemy z oddychaniem, płaczem lub nagle krzyczeć. Dziecko może też wycofać się i nie komunikować się40.

Stadium 3: Faza plateau

Trzecie stadium zwykle rozpoczyna się w wieku od 2 do 10 lat i może trwać wiele lat. Chociaż problemy z ruchem nadal występują, zachowanie może się nieznacznie poprawić, z mniejszą drażliwością i płaczem, i może nastąpić pewna poprawa w używaniu rąk i komunikacji. Napady padaczkowe mogą rozpocząć się w tym stadium i generalnie nie występują przed 2 rokiem życia41.

Ta faza zwykle rozpoczyna się między 2 a 10 rokiem życia i może trwać wiele lat. Podczas tego etapu mogą wystąpić poprawy w używaniu rąk, czujności, umiejętnościach komunikacyjnych, zdolności chodzenia i drażliwości (mniej płaczu). Główne objawy stadium 3 to: napady padaczkowe, pogorszenie problemów z oddychaniem, rozwój arytmii serca (nieprawidłowy rytm serca) u niektórych dzieci, zgrzytanie zębami, trudności z przyrostem i utrzymaniem wagi42.

Dziecko wciąż może mieć problemy z umiejętnościami motorycznymi w tym czasie. Mogą zacząć mieć napady padaczkowe. Ale może też nastąpić poprawa czujności, komunikacji i zachowania43.

Stadium 4: Późna deterioracja motoryczna

To stadium zwykle rozpoczyna się po 10 roku życia i może trwać lata lub dekady. Charakteryzuje się zmniejszoną mobilnością, osłabieniem mięśni, przykurczami stawów i skoliozą. Rozumienie, komunikacja i umiejętności manualne generalnie pozostają stabilne lub ulegają niewielkiej poprawie, a napady padaczkowe mogą występować rzadziej44.

Ten etap rozpoczyna się zwykle w wieku około 10 lat i może trwać lata lub dekady. Podczas tego etapu problemy z oddychaniem, napady padaczkowe i nieprawidłowe ruchy rąk mogą stawać się mniej powszechne. Również umiejętności komunikacyjne i zrozumienie mogą pozostać stabilne lub nieznacznie się poprawić. Główne objawy podczas tego etapu to: zmniejszona mobilność, osłabienie mięśni i sztywność, oraz sztywność stawów, skolioza (nieprawidłowa krzywizna kręgosłupa), utrata zdolności chodzenia45.

Objawy tego stadium to: niezdolność do chodzenia, krzywizna kręgosłupa (skolioza), osłabienie mięśni, sztywne, sztywne mięśnie (wysoki tonus mięśniowy lub hipotonia), niekontrolowane skurcze mięśni (dystonia)46.

Subtelne wczesne objawy zespołu Retta

Rośnie liczba dowodów podważających koncepcję, że rozwój jest całkowicie normalny przed regresją w zespole Retta. Niemowlęta z tą chorobą wykazują subtelne deficyty w umiejętnościach motorycznych, takie jak niska różnorodność spontanicznych ruchów i gwałtowne ruchy, upośledzenia w drobnych ruchach twarzy, ramion i rąk oraz drżenia ramion. Słabe gesty komunikacyjne, niska reaktywność na wołanie i zmiany wokalizacji również zostały zauważone od pierwszych miesięcy życia47.

Ponadto zmiany fizjologiczne, w tym problemy ze snem, oddychaniem i wrażliwością na ból, wydają się być obecne przed pojawieniem się wyraźnych objawów. Te widoczne początkowe oznaki są połączone z mierzalnymi zmianami w mózgu we wczesnych stadiach rozwoju48.

Zjawisko to sugeruje, że pacjenci przeżywają regresję w głównych nabytych umiejętnościach, ale takie umiejętności są budowane na podstawowych procesach biologicznych, które są już zmienione wkrótce po urodzeniu lub nawet podczas rozwoju zarodka49.

Diagnostyka zespołu Retta

Diagnozowanie zespołu Retta wymaga starannej obserwacji wzrostu i rozwoju dziecka oraz odpowiedzi na pytania dotyczące historii medycznej i rodzinnej. Diagnoza jest zwykle rozważana, gdy zauważone zostaje spowolnienie wzrostu głowy lub utrata umiejętności czy kamieni milowych rozwojowych50.

Diagnoza klasycznego zespołu Retta obejmuje następujące podstawowe objawy, które mogą zacząć się pojawiać w dowolnym momencie od 6 do 18 miesiąca życia51:

  • Częściowa lub całkowita utrata celowych umiejętności manualnych
  • Częściowa lub całkowita utrata mowy
  • Problemy z chodzeniem, takie jak trudności z chodzeniem lub niemożność chodzenia
  • Powtarzające się bezcelowe ruchy rąk, takie jak wykręcanie, ściskanie, klaskanie lub stukanie, wkładanie rąk do ust lub ruchy mycia i pocierania

52

Diagnozowanie zespołu Retta (RTT) opiera się na obserwacji klinicznej objawów. Obejmuje to okres regresji rozwojowej, który zwykle pojawia się między 6 a 18 miesiącem życia, co kieruje klinicystów do dalszej oceny53.

Rokowanie i jakość życia

Chociaż nie ma lekarstwa na zespół Retta, leczenie objawowe i wsparcie mogą poprawić potencjał ruchu, komunikacji i uczestnictwa społecznego. Potrzeba leczenia i wsparcia nie kończy się, gdy dzieci stają się starsze – zwykle jest konieczna przez całe życie. Leczenie zespołu Retta wymaga podejścia zespołowego54.

Dzieci i dorośli z zespołem Retta potrzebują pomocy przy większości codziennych zadań, takich jak jedzenie, chodzenie i korzystanie z toalety. Ta stała opieka i zaburzenia snu mogą być wyczerpujące i stresujące dla rodzin i mogą wpływać na zdrowie i dobre samopoczucie członków rodziny55.

Zespół Retta jest chorobą, która postępuje powoli przez całe życie. Jednakże tempo, w jakim postępuje, znacznie różni się w zależności od dziecka. U niektórych dzieci z zespołem Retta może nastąpić poprawa objawów w wieku od 2 do 10 lat. W tym czasie dziecko może wykazywać zwiększone zainteresowanie otoczeniem oraz poprawę czujności, rozpiętości uwagi i umiejętności komunikacyjnych. Wiele dzieci z zespołem Retta pozostanie w tym stadium przez resztę życia i nie będzie miało dalszego pogorszenia umiejętności komunikacyjnych czy motorycznych56.

Chociaż wiadomo, że zespół Retta skraca długość życia, nie wiadomo zbyt wiele na temat konkretnych wskaźników oczekiwanej długości życia dla osób z zespołem Retta. Zazwyczaj zależy to od wieku, w którym po raz pierwszy pojawiają się objawy, i ich nasilenia. Średnio większość osób z tym schorzeniem przeżywa do czterdziestych lub pięćdziesiątych lat życia57.

Najważniejsze dla dzieci i dorosłych z zespołem Retta jest to, że ze wsparciem mogą żyć pełne, satysfakcjonujące życie. Postępy w badaniach przynoszą nadzieję na skuteczniejsze metody leczenia – w 2023 roku FDA zatwierdziła lek Daybue (trofinetide), który jest pierwszym zatwierdzonym lekiem specyficznie dla zespołu Retta58.

Życie dorosłych z zespołem Retta

Chociaż uznaje się, że wiele osób z zespołem Retta dożywa dorosłości, niewiele prac oceniało cechy kliniczne dojrzałych kobiet z tym zaburzeniem. Zaobserwowane polepszenie przeżywalności może wynikać z takich czynników, jak wcześniejsze rozpoznanie, lepsze zarządzanie problemami żywieniowymi, ulepszone terapie fizyczne, zajęciowe i komunikacyjne oraz lepsze podejście do związanych z tym problemów napadów padaczkowych, problemów żołądkowo-jelitowych i skoliozy59.

Chociaż zespół Retta jest znany z tego, że postępuje przez wiele etapów, badania pokazują, że niektóre cechy kliniczne poprawiają się w młodszych kohortach od pierwszej wizyty do ostatniej, takie jak komunikacja niewerbalna, zachowanie oraz cechy takie jak zgrzytanie zębami, wydzielanie śliny i wkładanie rąk do ust60.

Ogólnie rzecz biorąc, podczas gdy postępujące pogorszenie w niektórych cechach klinicznych jest oczekiwane w grupie <30 lat, wyniki te pokazują, że niektóre cechy kliniczne poprawiają się w grupie <30 lat, a w przeciwieństwie do wcześniejszych doniesień, starsze osoby z RTT nadal wykazują zmiany w cechach klinicznych z trwającym pogorszeniem wielu umiejętności funkcjonalnych, ale poprawą komunikacji niewerbalnej61.

Podsumowanie

Zespół Retta to złożone zaburzenie neurologiczne, które wpływa na rozwój dziecka, powodując utratę wcześniej nabytych umiejętności i postępujące problemy z funkcjami motorycznymi i komunikacyjnymi. Choroba ta przechodzi przez charakterystyczne stadia, począwszy od subtelnych zmian we wczesnym rozwoju (6-18 miesięcy), przez szybką regresję (1-4 lata), okres plateau (2-10 lat), aż po późną deteriorację motoryczną (po 10 roku życia).

Kluczowe objawy zespołu Retta to spowolniony wzrost, utrata celowych ruchów rąk, problemy z komunikacją, stereotypowe ruchy rąk, zaburzenia chodu i napady padaczkowe. Inne często spotykane objawy to problemy z oddychaniem, zaburzenia snu, skolioza i nieprawidłowości rytmu serca.

Mimo że nie ma obecnie lekarstwa na zespół Retta, wielodyscyplinarne podejście terapeutyczne może znacząco poprawić jakość życia pacjentów. Odpowiednie wsparcie medyczne i rehabilitacyjne pozwala wielu osobom z zespołem Retta dożyć wieku średniego, choć z różnym stopniem niepełnosprawności. Obiecujące badania nad nowymi metodami leczenia, w tym terapią genową, dają nadzieję na bardziej efektywne interwencje w przyszłości.

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Study shows that Rett syndrome in females is not just less severe, but different
    https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/study-shows-that-rett-syndrome-in-females-is-not-just-less-severe-but-different-/2024/10
    A new UC Davis MIND Institute study offers critical insights into Rett syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects mostly girls. The research reveals how this condition affects males and females differently, with symptom progression linked to changes in gene responses in brain cells. […] The symptoms vary widely. They include loss of hand function, breathing difficulties and seizures that affect the child’s ability to speak, walk and eat. Rett is less common in males, but when they are affected, symptoms are typically more severe and present earlier than in females. […] In an X-linked dominant disorder such as Rett, it is important to know that females do not just have less severe symptoms than males. Their condition is different, said Janine LaSalle, lead author of the study and professor of microbiology and immunology at UC Davis Health.
  • #2 Diagnosing Rett Syndrome | CheckRare
    https://checkrare.com/47387-2/
    Rett syndrome is a multisystem disorder that primarily affects girls. Only in rare cases are boys affected (who may experience more severe symptoms). […] The first sign is the loss of previously acquired skills (also referred to as developmental regression), followed by recovery or stabilization for a time: the absence of purposeful hand movements, motor skills, and the ability to communicate. The other regression of clinical earliest signs are loss of acquired speech and motor skills, repetitive hand movements, breathing irregularities, and seizures.
  • #3 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops. This disorder causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language. Rett syndrome primarily affects females. […] Most babies with Rett syndrome seem to develop as expected for the first six months of life. These babies then lose skills they previously had such as the ability to crawl, walk, communicate or use their hands. […] Over time, children with Rett syndrome have increasing problems with the use of muscles that control movement, coordination and communication. Rett syndrome can also cause seizures and intellectual disabilities. Unusual hand movements, such as repetitive rubbing or clapping, replace purposeful hand use. […] The most pronounced changes generally occur at 12 to 18 months of age, over a period of weeks or months. Symptoms and their severity vary greatly from child to child.
  • #4 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops. This disorder causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language. Rett syndrome primarily affects females. […] Most babies with Rett syndrome seem to develop as expected for the first six months of life. These babies then lose skills they previously had such as the ability to crawl, walk, communicate or use their hands. […] Over time, children with Rett syndrome have increasing problems with the use of muscles that control movement, coordination and communication. Rett syndrome can also cause seizures and intellectual disabilities. Unusual hand movements, such as repetitive rubbing or clapping, replace purposeful hand use. […] The most pronounced changes generally occur at 12 to 18 months of age, over a period of weeks or months. Symptoms and their severity vary greatly from child to child.
  • #5 Rett syndrome | Altru Health System
    https://www.altru.org/health-library/conditions/rett-syndrome
    Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops. This disorder causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language. Rett syndrome primarily affects females. […] Most babies with Rett syndrome seem to develop as expected for the first six months of life. These babies then lose skills they previously had such as the ability to crawl, walk, communicate or use their hands. […] Over time, children with Rett syndrome have increasing problems with the use of muscles that control movement, coordination and communication. Rett syndrome can also cause seizures and intellectual disabilities. Unusual hand movements, such as repetitive rubbing or clapping, replace purposeful hand use. […] The most pronounced changes generally occur at 12 to 18 months of age, over a period of weeks or months. Symptoms and their severity vary greatly from child to child.
  • #6 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    The main signs and symptoms include: Slowed growth. Brain growth slows after birth. Smaller than usual head size (microcephaly) is sometimes the first sign that a child has Rett syndrome. As children get older, there is delayed growth in other parts of the body. […] Loss of movement and coordination abilities. The first signs often include reduced hand control and a decreasing ability to crawl or walk. At first, this loss of abilities occurs rapidly, and then it continues more gradually. Eventually muscles become weak or stiff, with unusual movement and positioning. […] Loss of communication abilities. Children with Rett syndrome typically begin to lose the ability to speak, to make eye contact and to communicate in other ways. They may become disinterested in other people, toys and their surroundings. Some children have rapid changes, such as a sudden loss of language. Over time, children may gradually regain eye contact and develop nonverbal communication skills.
  • #7 Rett syndrome | Altru Health System
    https://www.altru.org/health-library/conditions/rett-syndrome
    The main signs and symptoms include: Slowed growth. Brain growth slows after birth. Smaller than usual head size (microcephaly) is sometimes the first sign that a child has Rett syndrome. As children get older, there is delayed growth in other parts of the body. […] Loss of movement and coordination abilities. The first signs often include reduced hand control and a decreasing ability to crawl or walk. At first, this loss of abilities occurs rapidly, and then it continues more gradually. Eventually muscles become weak or stiff, with unusual movement and positioning. […] Loss of communication abilities. Children with Rett syndrome typically begin to lose the ability to speak, to make eye contact and to communicate in other ways. They may become disinterested in other people, toys and their surroundings. Some children have rapid changes, such as a sudden loss of language. Over time, children may gradually regain eye contact and develop nonverbal communication skills.
  • #8 Rett syndrome | MedLink Neurology
    https://www.medlink.com/articles/rett-syndrome
    The regression phase will be followed by a period of recovery, where eye contact will improve nonverbal communication, and nonverbal interactions with the environment will also improve. Some girls will retain 1-word expressions, although the majority will lose expressive language. […] Seizures occur in the majority of patients, with rates ranging from 50% to 90%. Seizure onset is usually toward the end of the regression period or after the regression period. […] By age 2 years, the mean head circumference is two standard deviations below the mean. Deceleration of weight and height measurements will follow, with mean weight below normal at 13 months of life and continuing to decline, plotting to the second percentile by age 13 years. Mean height is noted to be below normal by 18 months and is two standard deviations below the norm by 12 years.
  • #9 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    The main signs and symptoms include: Slowed growth. Brain growth slows after birth. Smaller than usual head size (microcephaly) is sometimes the first sign that a child has Rett syndrome. As children get older, there is delayed growth in other parts of the body. […] Loss of movement and coordination abilities. The first signs often include reduced hand control and a decreasing ability to crawl or walk. At first, this loss of abilities occurs rapidly, and then it continues more gradually. Eventually muscles become weak or stiff, with unusual movement and positioning. […] Loss of communication abilities. Children with Rett syndrome typically begin to lose the ability to speak, to make eye contact and to communicate in other ways. They may become disinterested in other people, toys and their surroundings. Some children have rapid changes, such as a sudden loss of language. Over time, children may gradually regain eye contact and develop nonverbal communication skills.
  • #10 Understanding Rett Syndrome | International Rett Syndrome Foundation
    https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/
    Common repetitive hand movements, including wringing, squeezing, and clapping, occur frequently and often replace intentional hand functions. […] Partial or complete loss of previously acquired speech abilities is common. Due to communication difficulties, individuals may show less interest in their surroundings, toys, or even interacting with others, which can lead to isolation. […] Difficulties with balance and motor skills are common, leading to unsteady movement and, in many cases, eventual loss of the ability to walk independently. […] Unique facial expressions and sustained eye-gazing often emerge as alternative means of communication, with individuals using their eyes to convey needs or emotions when other communication methods are challenging. […] Many individuals experience seizures, which may vary in frequency and severity, often requiring careful management with medications and monitoring.
  • #11 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    The main signs and symptoms include: Slowed growth. Brain growth slows after birth. Smaller than usual head size (microcephaly) is sometimes the first sign that a child has Rett syndrome. As children get older, there is delayed growth in other parts of the body. […] Loss of movement and coordination abilities. The first signs often include reduced hand control and a decreasing ability to crawl or walk. At first, this loss of abilities occurs rapidly, and then it continues more gradually. Eventually muscles become weak or stiff, with unusual movement and positioning. […] Loss of communication abilities. Children with Rett syndrome typically begin to lose the ability to speak, to make eye contact and to communicate in other ways. They may become disinterested in other people, toys and their surroundings. Some children have rapid changes, such as a sudden loss of language. Over time, children may gradually regain eye contact and develop nonverbal communication skills.
  • #12 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    The main signs and symptoms include: Slowed growth. Brain growth slows after birth. Smaller than usual head size (microcephaly) is sometimes the first sign that a child has Rett syndrome. As children get older, there is delayed growth in other parts of the body. […] Loss of movement and coordination abilities. The first signs often include reduced hand control and a decreasing ability to crawl or walk. At first, this loss of abilities occurs rapidly, and then it continues more gradually. Eventually muscles become weak or stiff, with unusual movement and positioning. […] Loss of communication abilities. Children with Rett syndrome typically begin to lose the ability to speak, to make eye contact and to communicate in other ways. They may become disinterested in other people, toys and their surroundings. Some children have rapid changes, such as a sudden loss of language. Over time, children may gradually regain eye contact and develop nonverbal communication skills.
  • #13 Understanding Rett Syndrome | International Rett Syndrome Foundation
    https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/
    Common repetitive hand movements, including wringing, squeezing, and clapping, occur frequently and often replace intentional hand functions. […] Partial or complete loss of previously acquired speech abilities is common. Due to communication difficulties, individuals may show less interest in their surroundings, toys, or even interacting with others, which can lead to isolation. […] Difficulties with balance and motor skills are common, leading to unsteady movement and, in many cases, eventual loss of the ability to walk independently. […] Unique facial expressions and sustained eye-gazing often emerge as alternative means of communication, with individuals using their eyes to convey needs or emotions when other communication methods are challenging. […] Many individuals experience seizures, which may vary in frequency and severity, often requiring careful management with medications and monitoring.
  • #14 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Unusual hand movements. Children with Rett syndrome usually develop repetitive, purposeless hand movements, which differ from child to child. Hand movements may include hand-wringing, squeezing, clapping, tapping or rubbing. […] Other signs and symptoms can include: Unusual eye movements. Children with Rett syndrome tend to have unusual eye movements, such as intense staring, blinking, crossed eyes or closing one eye at a time. […] Breathing problems. These include breath holding, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), forcefully blowing out air or saliva, and swallowing air. These problems tend to occur during waking hours. Other breathing disturbances such as shallow breathing or short periods of stopping breathing (apnea) can occur during sleep. […] Irritability and crying. Children with Rett syndrome may become increasingly agitated and irritable as they get older. Periods of crying or screaming may begin suddenly, for no apparent reason, and last for hours. Some children may experience fears and anxiety.
  • #15 Understanding Rett Syndrome | International Rett Syndrome Foundation
    https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/
    Rett syndrome is a rare and devastating neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts nearly every aspect of an individuals life, including their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe. Symptoms can begin as early as 6 months old when parents begin to see their child miss development milestones and lose abilities they had already gained. […] Symptoms most often begin with a period of regression between 6 and 18 months of age, with various symptoms then progressing over time, including: […] Physical growth, including height, weight, and head size, may be stunted, with developmental delays noticeable in early childhood milestones such as sitting, crawling, and walking. […] Individuals often lose the ability to use their hands for purposeful tasks, such as holding objects or feeding themselves, which leads to increased dependency on caregivers and challenges in daily activities.
  • #16 Understanding Rett Syndrome | International Rett Syndrome Foundation
    https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/
    Common repetitive hand movements, including wringing, squeezing, and clapping, occur frequently and often replace intentional hand functions. […] Partial or complete loss of previously acquired speech abilities is common. Due to communication difficulties, individuals may show less interest in their surroundings, toys, or even interacting with others, which can lead to isolation. […] Difficulties with balance and motor skills are common, leading to unsteady movement and, in many cases, eventual loss of the ability to walk independently. […] Unique facial expressions and sustained eye-gazing often emerge as alternative means of communication, with individuals using their eyes to convey needs or emotions when other communication methods are challenging. […] Many individuals experience seizures, which may vary in frequency and severity, often requiring careful management with medications and monitoring.
  • #17 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Unusual hand movements. Children with Rett syndrome usually develop repetitive, purposeless hand movements, which differ from child to child. Hand movements may include hand-wringing, squeezing, clapping, tapping or rubbing. […] Other signs and symptoms can include: Unusual eye movements. Children with Rett syndrome tend to have unusual eye movements, such as intense staring, blinking, crossed eyes or closing one eye at a time. […] Breathing problems. These include breath holding, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), forcefully blowing out air or saliva, and swallowing air. These problems tend to occur during waking hours. Other breathing disturbances such as shallow breathing or short periods of stopping breathing (apnea) can occur during sleep. […] Irritability and crying. Children with Rett syndrome may become increasingly agitated and irritable as they get older. Periods of crying or screaming may begin suddenly, for no apparent reason, and last for hours. Some children may experience fears and anxiety.
  • #18 Rett syndrome | Altru Health System
    https://www.altru.org/health-library/conditions/rett-syndrome
    Unusual hand movements. Children with Rett syndrome usually develop repetitive, purposeless hand movements, which differ from child to child. Hand movements may include hand-wringing, squeezing, clapping, tapping or rubbing. […] Other signs and symptoms can include: Unusual eye movements. Children with Rett syndrome tend to have unusual eye movements, such as intense staring, blinking, crossed eyes or closing one eye at a time. […] Breathing problems. These include breath holding, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), forcefully blowing out air or saliva, and swallowing air. These problems tend to occur during waking hours. Other breathing disturbances such as shallow breathing or short periods of stopping breathing (apnea) can occur during sleep. […] Irritability and crying. Children with Rett syndrome may become increasingly agitated and irritable as they get older. Periods of crying or screaming may begin suddenly, for no apparent reason, and last for hours. Some children may experience fears and anxiety.
  • #19 Understanding Rett Syndrome | International Rett Syndrome Foundation
    https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/
    Common repetitive hand movements, including wringing, squeezing, and clapping, occur frequently and often replace intentional hand functions. […] Partial or complete loss of previously acquired speech abilities is common. Due to communication difficulties, individuals may show less interest in their surroundings, toys, or even interacting with others, which can lead to isolation. […] Difficulties with balance and motor skills are common, leading to unsteady movement and, in many cases, eventual loss of the ability to walk independently. […] Unique facial expressions and sustained eye-gazing often emerge as alternative means of communication, with individuals using their eyes to convey needs or emotions when other communication methods are challenging. […] Many individuals experience seizures, which may vary in frequency and severity, often requiring careful management with medications and monitoring.
  • #20 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Unusual hand movements. Children with Rett syndrome usually develop repetitive, purposeless hand movements, which differ from child to child. Hand movements may include hand-wringing, squeezing, clapping, tapping or rubbing. […] Other signs and symptoms can include: Unusual eye movements. Children with Rett syndrome tend to have unusual eye movements, such as intense staring, blinking, crossed eyes or closing one eye at a time. […] Breathing problems. These include breath holding, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), forcefully blowing out air or saliva, and swallowing air. These problems tend to occur during waking hours. Other breathing disturbances such as shallow breathing or short periods of stopping breathing (apnea) can occur during sleep. […] Irritability and crying. Children with Rett syndrome may become increasingly agitated and irritable as they get older. Periods of crying or screaming may begin suddenly, for no apparent reason, and last for hours. Some children may experience fears and anxiety.
  • #21 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Unusual hand movements. Children with Rett syndrome usually develop repetitive, purposeless hand movements, which differ from child to child. Hand movements may include hand-wringing, squeezing, clapping, tapping or rubbing. […] Other signs and symptoms can include: Unusual eye movements. Children with Rett syndrome tend to have unusual eye movements, such as intense staring, blinking, crossed eyes or closing one eye at a time. […] Breathing problems. These include breath holding, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), forcefully blowing out air or saliva, and swallowing air. These problems tend to occur during waking hours. Other breathing disturbances such as shallow breathing or short periods of stopping breathing (apnea) can occur during sleep. […] Irritability and crying. Children with Rett syndrome may become increasingly agitated and irritable as they get older. Periods of crying or screaming may begin suddenly, for no apparent reason, and last for hours. Some children may experience fears and anxiety.
  • #22 Understanding Rett Syndrome | International Rett Syndrome Foundation
    https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/
    Irregular breathing patterns, including hyperventilation, breath-holding, or shallow breathing, are common and can occur both during waking and sleeping hours, sometimes contributing to additional health complications. […] Spinal curvature (scoliosis) frequently develops in children with Rett syndrome, which can impact comfort, mobility, and quality of life, often necessitating therapeutic interventions. […] Individuals often have disrupted sleep patterns, including difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep, which can impact both the childs and caregivers well-being.
  • #23 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Unusual hand movements. Children with Rett syndrome usually develop repetitive, purposeless hand movements, which differ from child to child. Hand movements may include hand-wringing, squeezing, clapping, tapping or rubbing. […] Other signs and symptoms can include: Unusual eye movements. Children with Rett syndrome tend to have unusual eye movements, such as intense staring, blinking, crossed eyes or closing one eye at a time. […] Breathing problems. These include breath holding, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), forcefully blowing out air or saliva, and swallowing air. These problems tend to occur during waking hours. Other breathing disturbances such as shallow breathing or short periods of stopping breathing (apnea) can occur during sleep. […] Irritability and crying. Children with Rett syndrome may become increasingly agitated and irritable as they get older. Periods of crying or screaming may begin suddenly, for no apparent reason, and last for hours. Some children may experience fears and anxiety.
  • #24 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Other unusual behaviors. These may include, for example, sudden, odd facial expressions and long bouts of laughter, hand licking, and grasping of hair or clothing. […] Intellectual disabilities. Loss of skills may be connected to losing the ability to think, understand and learn. […] Seizures. Most people who have Rett syndrome experience seizures at some time during their lives. Multiple seizure types may occur and are associated with changes on an electroencephalogram (EEG). […] Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis). Scoliosis is common with Rett syndrome. It typically begins between 8 and 11 years of age and progresses with age. Surgery may be required if the curvature is severe. […] Irregular heartbeat. This is a life-threatening problem for many children and adults with Rett syndrome and can result in sudden death.
  • #25 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Other unusual behaviors. These may include, for example, sudden, odd facial expressions and long bouts of laughter, hand licking, and grasping of hair or clothing. […] Intellectual disabilities. Loss of skills may be connected to losing the ability to think, understand and learn. […] Seizures. Most people who have Rett syndrome experience seizures at some time during their lives. Multiple seizure types may occur and are associated with changes on an electroencephalogram (EEG). […] Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis). Scoliosis is common with Rett syndrome. It typically begins between 8 and 11 years of age and progresses with age. Surgery may be required if the curvature is severe. […] Irregular heartbeat. This is a life-threatening problem for many children and adults with Rett syndrome and can result in sudden death.
  • #26 Understanding Rett Syndrome | International Rett Syndrome Foundation
    https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/
    Common repetitive hand movements, including wringing, squeezing, and clapping, occur frequently and often replace intentional hand functions. […] Partial or complete loss of previously acquired speech abilities is common. Due to communication difficulties, individuals may show less interest in their surroundings, toys, or even interacting with others, which can lead to isolation. […] Difficulties with balance and motor skills are common, leading to unsteady movement and, in many cases, eventual loss of the ability to walk independently. […] Unique facial expressions and sustained eye-gazing often emerge as alternative means of communication, with individuals using their eyes to convey needs or emotions when other communication methods are challenging. […] Many individuals experience seizures, which may vary in frequency and severity, often requiring careful management with medications and monitoring.
  • #27 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Other unusual behaviors. These may include, for example, sudden, odd facial expressions and long bouts of laughter, hand licking, and grasping of hair or clothing. […] Intellectual disabilities. Loss of skills may be connected to losing the ability to think, understand and learn. […] Seizures. Most people who have Rett syndrome experience seizures at some time during their lives. Multiple seizure types may occur and are associated with changes on an electroencephalogram (EEG). […] Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis). Scoliosis is common with Rett syndrome. It typically begins between 8 and 11 years of age and progresses with age. Surgery may be required if the curvature is severe. […] Irregular heartbeat. This is a life-threatening problem for many children and adults with Rett syndrome and can result in sudden death.
  • #28 Understanding Rett Syndrome | International Rett Syndrome Foundation
    https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/
    Irregular breathing patterns, including hyperventilation, breath-holding, or shallow breathing, are common and can occur both during waking and sleeping hours, sometimes contributing to additional health complications. […] Spinal curvature (scoliosis) frequently develops in children with Rett syndrome, which can impact comfort, mobility, and quality of life, often necessitating therapeutic interventions. […] Individuals often have disrupted sleep patterns, including difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep, which can impact both the childs and caregivers well-being.
  • #29 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Other unusual behaviors. These may include, for example, sudden, odd facial expressions and long bouts of laughter, hand licking, and grasping of hair or clothing. […] Intellectual disabilities. Loss of skills may be connected to losing the ability to think, understand and learn. […] Seizures. Most people who have Rett syndrome experience seizures at some time during their lives. Multiple seizure types may occur and are associated with changes on an electroencephalogram (EEG). […] Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis). Scoliosis is common with Rett syndrome. It typically begins between 8 and 11 years of age and progresses with age. Surgery may be required if the curvature is severe. […] Irregular heartbeat. This is a life-threatening problem for many children and adults with Rett syndrome and can result in sudden death.
  • #30 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Sleep disturbances. Problems with sleep patterns can include irregular sleep times, falling asleep during the day and being awake at night, or waking in the night with crying or screaming. […] A variety of other symptoms can occur, such as a decreased response to pain; small hands and feet that are usually cold; problems with chewing and swallowing; problems with bowel function; and teeth grinding. […] Rett syndrome is commonly divided into four stages: Stage 1: Early onset. Signs and symptoms are subtle and easily overlooked during the first stage, which starts between 6 and 18 months of age. Stage 1 can last for a few months or a year. Babies in this stage may show less eye contact and start to lose interest in toys. They may also have delays in sitting or crawling. […] Stage 2: Rapid deterioration. Starting between 1 and 4 years of age, children lose the ability to perform skills they previously had. This loss can be rapid or more gradual, occurring over weeks or months. Symptoms of Rett syndrome occur, such as slowed head growth, abnormal hand movements, hyperventilating, screaming or crying for no apparent reason, problems with movement and coordination, and a loss of social interaction and communication.
  • #31 Understanding Rett Syndrome | International Rett Syndrome Foundation
    https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/
    Irregular breathing patterns, including hyperventilation, breath-holding, or shallow breathing, are common and can occur both during waking and sleeping hours, sometimes contributing to additional health complications. […] Spinal curvature (scoliosis) frequently develops in children with Rett syndrome, which can impact comfort, mobility, and quality of life, often necessitating therapeutic interventions. […] Individuals often have disrupted sleep patterns, including difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep, which can impact both the childs and caregivers well-being.
  • #32 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Sleep disturbances. Problems with sleep patterns can include irregular sleep times, falling asleep during the day and being awake at night, or waking in the night with crying or screaming. […] A variety of other symptoms can occur, such as a decreased response to pain; small hands and feet that are usually cold; problems with chewing and swallowing; problems with bowel function; and teeth grinding. […] Rett syndrome is commonly divided into four stages: Stage 1: Early onset. Signs and symptoms are subtle and easily overlooked during the first stage, which starts between 6 and 18 months of age. Stage 1 can last for a few months or a year. Babies in this stage may show less eye contact and start to lose interest in toys. They may also have delays in sitting or crawling. […] Stage 2: Rapid deterioration. Starting between 1 and 4 years of age, children lose the ability to perform skills they previously had. This loss can be rapid or more gradual, occurring over weeks or months. Symptoms of Rett syndrome occur, such as slowed head growth, abnormal hand movements, hyperventilating, screaming or crying for no apparent reason, problems with movement and coordination, and a loss of social interaction and communication.
  • #33 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Sleep disturbances. Problems with sleep patterns can include irregular sleep times, falling asleep during the day and being awake at night, or waking in the night with crying or screaming. […] A variety of other symptoms can occur, such as a decreased response to pain; small hands and feet that are usually cold; problems with chewing and swallowing; problems with bowel function; and teeth grinding. […] Rett syndrome is commonly divided into four stages: Stage 1: Early onset. Signs and symptoms are subtle and easily overlooked during the first stage, which starts between 6 and 18 months of age. Stage 1 can last for a few months or a year. Babies in this stage may show less eye contact and start to lose interest in toys. They may also have delays in sitting or crawling. […] Stage 2: Rapid deterioration. Starting between 1 and 4 years of age, children lose the ability to perform skills they previously had. This loss can be rapid or more gradual, occurring over weeks or months. Symptoms of Rett syndrome occur, such as slowed head growth, abnormal hand movements, hyperventilating, screaming or crying for no apparent reason, problems with movement and coordination, and a loss of social interaction and communication.
  • #34 Stages of Rett syndrome | Rett Syndrome NewsEnvelope icon
    https://rettsyndromenews.com/stages-of-rett-syndrome/
    Rett syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects brain development, leading to severe mental and physical problems. The disease, which affects girls almost exclusively, progresses in four stages: […] During this phase, children’s growth begins to lag behind others. This usually starts between ages 6 to 18 months when the first symptoms are recognized. This phase can last for up to one year. In some instances, the symptoms may be very subtle at first and may go unnoticed. The main symptoms of stage 1 are: Issues with sitting, crawling, and walking, Lack of interest in toys, Abnormal hand movements, Problems in speech development, Low muscle tone, or hypotonia. […] This usually is observed between ages 1 and 4. The duration of this phase can be anywhere between two months and two years. The main signs of stage 2 are: Loss of previously acquired motor, communication, and social skills, Loss of the ability to use hands purposefully. Instead, patients show abnormal hand movements such as clasping or squeezing, clapping or tapping, and hand-washing movements, Speech defects, Irritability characterized by children screaming or crying without reason, Mobility and coordination problems including unsteady gait, Reduced head circumference (acquired microcephaly), Emergence of breathing issues such as rapid breathing and breath holding.
  • #35 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Sleep disturbances. Problems with sleep patterns can include irregular sleep times, falling asleep during the day and being awake at night, or waking in the night with crying or screaming. […] A variety of other symptoms can occur, such as a decreased response to pain; small hands and feet that are usually cold; problems with chewing and swallowing; problems with bowel function; and teeth grinding. […] Rett syndrome is commonly divided into four stages: Stage 1: Early onset. Signs and symptoms are subtle and easily overlooked during the first stage, which starts between 6 and 18 months of age. Stage 1 can last for a few months or a year. Babies in this stage may show less eye contact and start to lose interest in toys. They may also have delays in sitting or crawling. […] Stage 2: Rapid deterioration. Starting between 1 and 4 years of age, children lose the ability to perform skills they previously had. This loss can be rapid or more gradual, occurring over weeks or months. Symptoms of Rett syndrome occur, such as slowed head growth, abnormal hand movements, hyperventilating, screaming or crying for no apparent reason, problems with movement and coordination, and a loss of social interaction and communication.
  • #36 Stages of Rett syndrome | Rett Syndrome NewsEnvelope icon
    https://rettsyndromenews.com/stages-of-rett-syndrome/
    Rett syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects brain development, leading to severe mental and physical problems. The disease, which affects girls almost exclusively, progresses in four stages: […] During this phase, children’s growth begins to lag behind others. This usually starts between ages 6 to 18 months when the first symptoms are recognized. This phase can last for up to one year. In some instances, the symptoms may be very subtle at first and may go unnoticed. The main symptoms of stage 1 are: Issues with sitting, crawling, and walking, Lack of interest in toys, Abnormal hand movements, Problems in speech development, Low muscle tone, or hypotonia. […] This usually is observed between ages 1 and 4. The duration of this phase can be anywhere between two months and two years. The main signs of stage 2 are: Loss of previously acquired motor, communication, and social skills, Loss of the ability to use hands purposefully. Instead, patients show abnormal hand movements such as clasping or squeezing, clapping or tapping, and hand-washing movements, Speech defects, Irritability characterized by children screaming or crying without reason, Mobility and coordination problems including unsteady gait, Reduced head circumference (acquired microcephaly), Emergence of breathing issues such as rapid breathing and breath holding.
  • #37 Rett Syndrome in Children
    https://healthlibrary.uwmedicine.org/library/Encyclopedia/160,240
    Symptoms may include: Loss of speech. Loss of walking or crawling skills. Uncontrollable hand movements. Impaired thinking (cognitive) abilities. Reduced eye contact. Irritability. Social isolation. Teeth grinding. Trouble chewing and swallowing. Trouble sleeping. Breathing problems, such as breathing very fast (hyperventilation) and breath holding. Gastrointestinal problems. Loss of muscle tone (hypotonia). Rigid, stiff muscles. Small head size (microcephaly). Curvature of the spine (scoliosis). […] There are four main stages of Rett syndrome. Every child’s situation is different. Not all children move through all four stages in the same way. The stages are: Stage I: Early onset stage. This stage occurs from about age 6 months to 18 months. It can last for a few months to a year. During this time, early symptoms of Rett syndrome first appear, but they may not be noticed right away. A baby may be delayed in sitting or crawling. They may not be as interested in playing with toys. They may make less eye contact.
  • #38 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Sleep disturbances. Problems with sleep patterns can include irregular sleep times, falling asleep during the day and being awake at night, or waking in the night with crying or screaming. […] A variety of other symptoms can occur, such as a decreased response to pain; small hands and feet that are usually cold; problems with chewing and swallowing; problems with bowel function; and teeth grinding. […] Rett syndrome is commonly divided into four stages: Stage 1: Early onset. Signs and symptoms are subtle and easily overlooked during the first stage, which starts between 6 and 18 months of age. Stage 1 can last for a few months or a year. Babies in this stage may show less eye contact and start to lose interest in toys. They may also have delays in sitting or crawling. […] Stage 2: Rapid deterioration. Starting between 1 and 4 years of age, children lose the ability to perform skills they previously had. This loss can be rapid or more gradual, occurring over weeks or months. Symptoms of Rett syndrome occur, such as slowed head growth, abnormal hand movements, hyperventilating, screaming or crying for no apparent reason, problems with movement and coordination, and a loss of social interaction and communication.
  • #39 Stages of Rett syndrome | Rett Syndrome NewsEnvelope icon
    https://rettsyndromenews.com/stages-of-rett-syndrome/
    Rett syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects brain development, leading to severe mental and physical problems. The disease, which affects girls almost exclusively, progresses in four stages: […] During this phase, children’s growth begins to lag behind others. This usually starts between ages 6 to 18 months when the first symptoms are recognized. This phase can last for up to one year. In some instances, the symptoms may be very subtle at first and may go unnoticed. The main symptoms of stage 1 are: Issues with sitting, crawling, and walking, Lack of interest in toys, Abnormal hand movements, Problems in speech development, Low muscle tone, or hypotonia. […] This usually is observed between ages 1 and 4. The duration of this phase can be anywhere between two months and two years. The main signs of stage 2 are: Loss of previously acquired motor, communication, and social skills, Loss of the ability to use hands purposefully. Instead, patients show abnormal hand movements such as clasping or squeezing, clapping or tapping, and hand-washing movements, Speech defects, Irritability characterized by children screaming or crying without reason, Mobility and coordination problems including unsteady gait, Reduced head circumference (acquired microcephaly), Emergence of breathing issues such as rapid breathing and breath holding.
  • #40 Rett Syndrome in Children
    https://healthlibrary.uwmedicine.org/library/Encyclopedia/160,240
    Stage II: Rapid destructive stage. This stage starts between ages 1 and 4. During this time, a child starts to lose the ability to do certain things. This may happen quickly, or it may take a few weeks or months. A child in this stage may: Lose certain skills they had, such as hand motor skills and the ability to speak. Have panic attacks. Have abnormal, uncontrolled hand movements (such as wringing or clapping). Have problems with movement, balance, and coordination. Have delayed head growth. Have breathing problems. Cry or scream suddenly. Withdraw from others and not communicate. […] Stage III: Plateau stage. This stage starts between ages 2 and 10 and can last for many years. Some people stay in this stage. A child may still have problems with motor skills during this time. They may start to have seizures. But they may also have improved alertness, communication, and behavior.
  • #41 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Stage 3: Plateau. The third stage usually begins between the ages of 2 and 10 years, and it can last for many years. Although problems with movement continue, behavior may slightly improve, with less crying and irritability, and there may be some improvement in hand use and communication. Seizures may begin in this stage and generally don’t occur before the age of 2. […] Stage 4: Late motor deterioration. This stage usually begins after the age of 10 and can last for years or decades. It’s marked by reduced mobility, muscle weakness, joint contractures and scoliosis. Understanding, communication and hand skills generally remain stable or improve slightly, and seizures may occur less often.
  • #42 Stages of Rett syndrome | Rett Syndrome NewsEnvelope icon
    https://rettsyndromenews.com/stages-of-rett-syndrome/
    This phase usually begins between ages, 2 and 10 and can last for many years. During this phase, there may be improvements in hand usage, alertness, communication skills, walking ability, and irritability (less crying). The main symptoms of stage 3 are: Seizures, Worsening of breathing problems, Development of cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) in some children, Teeth grinding, Difficulty to gain and maintain weight. […] This usually begins at about age 10 and can last for years or decades. During this stage, breathing problems, seizures, and abnormal hand movements may become less common. Also, communication skills and understanding may remain stable or improve slightly. The main symptoms during this phase are: Reduced mobility, muscle weakness and stiffness, and stiffness in joints, Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine), Loss of walking ability.
  • #43 Rett Syndrome in Children
    https://healthlibrary.uwmedicine.org/library/Encyclopedia/160,240
    Stage II: Rapid destructive stage. This stage starts between ages 1 and 4. During this time, a child starts to lose the ability to do certain things. This may happen quickly, or it may take a few weeks or months. A child in this stage may: Lose certain skills they had, such as hand motor skills and the ability to speak. Have panic attacks. Have abnormal, uncontrolled hand movements (such as wringing or clapping). Have problems with movement, balance, and coordination. Have delayed head growth. Have breathing problems. Cry or scream suddenly. Withdraw from others and not communicate. […] Stage III: Plateau stage. This stage starts between ages 2 and 10 and can last for many years. Some people stay in this stage. A child may still have problems with motor skills during this time. They may start to have seizures. But they may also have improved alertness, communication, and behavior.
  • #44 Rett syndrome – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377227
    Stage 3: Plateau. The third stage usually begins between the ages of 2 and 10 years, and it can last for many years. Although problems with movement continue, behavior may slightly improve, with less crying and irritability, and there may be some improvement in hand use and communication. Seizures may begin in this stage and generally don’t occur before the age of 2. […] Stage 4: Late motor deterioration. This stage usually begins after the age of 10 and can last for years or decades. It’s marked by reduced mobility, muscle weakness, joint contractures and scoliosis. Understanding, communication and hand skills generally remain stable or improve slightly, and seizures may occur less often.
  • #45 Stages of Rett syndrome | Rett Syndrome NewsEnvelope icon
    https://rettsyndromenews.com/stages-of-rett-syndrome/
    This phase usually begins between ages, 2 and 10 and can last for many years. During this phase, there may be improvements in hand usage, alertness, communication skills, walking ability, and irritability (less crying). The main symptoms of stage 3 are: Seizures, Worsening of breathing problems, Development of cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) in some children, Teeth grinding, Difficulty to gain and maintain weight. […] This usually begins at about age 10 and can last for years or decades. During this stage, breathing problems, seizures, and abnormal hand movements may become less common. Also, communication skills and understanding may remain stable or improve slightly. The main symptoms during this phase are: Reduced mobility, muscle weakness and stiffness, and stiffness in joints, Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine), Loss of walking ability.
  • #46 Rett Syndrome in Children
    https://healthlibrary.uwmedicine.org/library/Encyclopedia/160,240
    Stage IV: Late motor deterioration stage. This stage often occurs after age 10 and lasts for many years or even decades. Not all children reach this stage. Symptoms of this stage include: No longer being able to walk. Curvature of the spine (scoliosis). Muscle weakness. Stiff, rigid muscles (high muscle tone or hypotonia). Uncontrolled muscle contractions (dystonia). […] Symptoms include loss of balance, loss of speech, and delayed head growth. […] There is no cure. But treatment, such as physical therapy, can help manage symptoms.
  • #47 Subtle Signs of Rett Could Be Chance for Early Intervention, Study SaysEnvelope icon
    https://rettsyndromenews.com/news/subtle-signs-of-rett-could-be-opportunity-for-early-intervention-study-says/
    Several observations support the idea that early development is not completely normal in Rett. Infants with the disease show subtle deficits in motor skills, such as a low diversity of spontaneous movements and jerky movements, impairments in fine movements of the face, arms, and hands, and arm tremors. Poor communicative gestures, low responsiveness to call, and vocalization changes have also been noted since the first months of life. […] In addition, physiological alterations, including problems in sleep, breathing, and sensitivity to pain, appear to be present before the onset of manifest symptoms. […] Importantly, these apparent initial signs are accompanied by measurable changes in the brain at the early stages of development. […] Altogether, this evidence argues for the presence of early abnormalities in the brain in infants with Rett syndrome.
  • #48 Subtle Signs of Rett Could Be Chance for Early Intervention, Study SaysEnvelope icon
    https://rettsyndromenews.com/news/subtle-signs-of-rett-could-be-opportunity-for-early-intervention-study-says/
    Several observations support the idea that early development is not completely normal in Rett. Infants with the disease show subtle deficits in motor skills, such as a low diversity of spontaneous movements and jerky movements, impairments in fine movements of the face, arms, and hands, and arm tremors. Poor communicative gestures, low responsiveness to call, and vocalization changes have also been noted since the first months of life. […] In addition, physiological alterations, including problems in sleep, breathing, and sensitivity to pain, appear to be present before the onset of manifest symptoms. […] Importantly, these apparent initial signs are accompanied by measurable changes in the brain at the early stages of development. […] Altogether, this evidence argues for the presence of early abnormalities in the brain in infants with Rett syndrome.
  • #49 Subtle Signs of Rett Could Be Chance for Early Intervention, Study SaysEnvelope icon
    https://rettsyndromenews.com/news/subtle-signs-of-rett-could-be-opportunity-for-early-intervention-study-says/
    According to this review, it seems that patients regress in main acquired skills, but such skills are built on underlying biological processes which are already altered soon after birth or even during embryo development. […] While details about disease progression are still unclear, and no adequate biomarker has been found, the findings encourage the possibility of detecting early signs of altered development as a possible diagnostic marker. […] Therefore, researchers call on the urgent need to clarify whether and how early alterations contribute to the full manifestation of Rett symptoms.
  • #50 Rett syndrome – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377233
    Diagnosing Rett syndrome involves careful observation of your child’s growth and development and answering questions about medical and family history. The diagnosis is usually considered when slowing of head growth is noticed or loss of skills or developmental milestones occurs. […] Diagnosis of classic Rett syndrome includes these core symptoms, which may start to show up anytime from 6 to 18 months of age: Partial or complete loss of purposeful hand skills, Partial or complete loss of spoken language, Walking problems, such as difficulty walking or not being able to walk, Repetitive purposeless hand movements, such as hand-wringing, squeezing, clapping or tapping, putting hands in the mouth, or washing and rubbing movements. […] Although there is no cure for Rett syndrome, treatments address symptoms and provide support. These may improve the potential for movement, communication and social participation. The need for treatment and support doesn’t end as children become older it’s usually necessary throughout life. Treating Rett syndrome requires a team approach.
  • #51 Rett syndrome – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377233
    Diagnosing Rett syndrome involves careful observation of your child’s growth and development and answering questions about medical and family history. The diagnosis is usually considered when slowing of head growth is noticed or loss of skills or developmental milestones occurs. […] Diagnosis of classic Rett syndrome includes these core symptoms, which may start to show up anytime from 6 to 18 months of age: Partial or complete loss of purposeful hand skills, Partial or complete loss of spoken language, Walking problems, such as difficulty walking or not being able to walk, Repetitive purposeless hand movements, such as hand-wringing, squeezing, clapping or tapping, putting hands in the mouth, or washing and rubbing movements. […] Although there is no cure for Rett syndrome, treatments address symptoms and provide support. These may improve the potential for movement, communication and social participation. The need for treatment and support doesn’t end as children become older it’s usually necessary throughout life. Treating Rett syndrome requires a team approach.
  • #52 Rett syndrome – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377233
    Diagnosing Rett syndrome involves careful observation of your child’s growth and development and answering questions about medical and family history. The diagnosis is usually considered when slowing of head growth is noticed or loss of skills or developmental milestones occurs. […] Diagnosis of classic Rett syndrome includes these core symptoms, which may start to show up anytime from 6 to 18 months of age: Partial or complete loss of purposeful hand skills, Partial or complete loss of spoken language, Walking problems, such as difficulty walking or not being able to walk, Repetitive purposeless hand movements, such as hand-wringing, squeezing, clapping or tapping, putting hands in the mouth, or washing and rubbing movements. […] Although there is no cure for Rett syndrome, treatments address symptoms and provide support. These may improve the potential for movement, communication and social participation. The need for treatment and support doesn’t end as children become older it’s usually necessary throughout life. Treating Rett syndrome requires a team approach.
  • #53 Diagnosing & Testing Rett Syndrome | International Rett Syndrome Foundation
    https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/diagnosing-and-testing-rett-syndrome/
    Rett syndrome is a clinical diagnosis involving the evaluation of specific clinical symptoms, such as developmental delays and specific behavioral signs. […] Diagnosing Rett syndrome (RTT) is based on clinical observation of symptoms. This includes a period of developmental regression typically emerging between 6 to 18 months of age which guides clinicians toward further evaluation. […] Diagnosing Rett syndrome, also known as Typical or Classic RTT, involves assessing a combination of core symptoms, such as slowed growth, loss of motor skills, and impaired communication, which typically appear between six and 18 months of age. […] Atypical Rett syndrome shares the progressive nature of classic Rett but can vary widely based on the genetic mutation and severity of symptoms. While both classic and atypical Rett syndromes share similar symptoms, including developmental regression, loss of motor skills, and impaired communication, atypical Rett syndrome is often milder and has a later onset, less severe symptoms, or a different progression.
  • #54 Rett syndrome – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377233
    Diagnosing Rett syndrome involves careful observation of your child’s growth and development and answering questions about medical and family history. The diagnosis is usually considered when slowing of head growth is noticed or loss of skills or developmental milestones occurs. […] Diagnosis of classic Rett syndrome includes these core symptoms, which may start to show up anytime from 6 to 18 months of age: Partial or complete loss of purposeful hand skills, Partial or complete loss of spoken language, Walking problems, such as difficulty walking or not being able to walk, Repetitive purposeless hand movements, such as hand-wringing, squeezing, clapping or tapping, putting hands in the mouth, or washing and rubbing movements. […] Although there is no cure for Rett syndrome, treatments address symptoms and provide support. These may improve the potential for movement, communication and social participation. The need for treatment and support doesn’t end as children become older it’s usually necessary throughout life. Treating Rett syndrome requires a team approach.
  • #55 Rett syndrome – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377233
    Children and adults with Rett syndrome need help with most daily tasks, such as eating, walking and using the bathroom. This constant care and disturbed sleep can be exhausting and stressful for families and can impact the health and well-being of family members. […] How severe are your child’s signs and symptoms? Are they getting progressively worse?
  • #56 Rett Syndrome | Boston Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/rett-syndrome
    The progression of Rett syndrome starts with the disease-causing change in the MECP2 gene. The MECP2 gene makes the MECP2 protein that is essential for brain development and the normal functioning of nerve cells. The problems associated with Rett syndrome begin when the MECP2 protein fails to carry out its duties just around the time your baby should be reaching important milestones. […] Rett syndrome is a disease that progresses slowly throughout life. However, the speed at which it progresses varies greatly from child to child. Some children with Rett syndrome may have improvement in their symptoms between ages 2 and 10. During this time, your child may have an increased interest in surroundings, and improved alertness, attention span, and communication skills. Many children with Rett syndrome will remain in this stage for the rest of their lives and have no further decline in communication or motor skills. […] While it is known that Rett syndrome shortens lifespan, not much is known about specific life expectancy rates for people with Rett syndrome. It generally depends on the age when symptoms first begin and their severity. On average, most individuals with the condition survive into their 40s or 50s.
  • #57 Rett Syndrome | Boston Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/rett-syndrome
    The progression of Rett syndrome starts with the disease-causing change in the MECP2 gene. The MECP2 gene makes the MECP2 protein that is essential for brain development and the normal functioning of nerve cells. The problems associated with Rett syndrome begin when the MECP2 protein fails to carry out its duties just around the time your baby should be reaching important milestones. […] Rett syndrome is a disease that progresses slowly throughout life. However, the speed at which it progresses varies greatly from child to child. Some children with Rett syndrome may have improvement in their symptoms between ages 2 and 10. During this time, your child may have an increased interest in surroundings, and improved alertness, attention span, and communication skills. Many children with Rett syndrome will remain in this stage for the rest of their lives and have no further decline in communication or motor skills. […] While it is known that Rett syndrome shortens lifespan, not much is known about specific life expectancy rates for people with Rett syndrome. It generally depends on the age when symptoms first begin and their severity. On average, most individuals with the condition survive into their 40s or 50s.
  • #58 FDA approves first treatment for Rett Syndrome | FDA
    https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-first-treatment-rett-syndrome
    Rett syndrome is a rare, genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops. Patients with Rett syndrome experience a progressive loss of motor skills and language. Most babies with Rett syndrome seem to develop as expected for the first six months of life. These babies then lose skills they previously had attained at approximately six to 18 months of age such as the ability to crawl, walk, communicate, or use their hands. The hallmark of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements, such as rubbing or clapping. Rett syndrome leads to severe impairments affecting nearly every aspect of life, including the ability to speak, walk, eat, and breathe. […] Patients treated with Daybue demonstrated a statistically significant difference compared to placebo on the co-primary efficacy endpoints, as measured by the change from baseline in the RSBQ total score and the CGI-I score at week 12.
  • #59 Clinical Features and Disease Progression in Older Individuals with Rett Syndrome
    https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/15/8/1107
    Although long-term survival in Rett syndrome (RTT) has been observed, limited information on older people with RTT exists. […] Overall severity was not different between the cohorts, but specific clinical features varied between the cohorts. Overall severity from first to last visit increased in the younger cohort but not in the older cohort. […] These data do not support the hypothesis that mild MECP2 variants or less overall severity leads to increased longevity in RTT but demonstrate that clinical features change with increasing age in adults with RTT. […] The observed improvement in survival might relate to factors such as earlier recognition, better management of nutritional concerns, improved physical, occupational, and communication therapies, and better approaches to the associated problems of seizures, gastrointestinal issues, and scoliosis.
  • #60 Clinical Features and Disease Progression in Older Individuals with Rett Syndrome
    https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/15/8/1107
    Although it has been recognized that many individuals with RTT survive into adulthood, limited work has evaluated the clinical features of mature women with this disorder. […] The presumption was that maintenance of ambulation and purposeful hand function and lesser difficulties with seizures and scoliosis associated with specific point mutations (R133C, R294X, R306C and CTT) would influence the likelihood of longevity preferentially. […] In contrast, some clinical features improved in the <30 yo cohort from first visit to last visit, such as in nonverbal communication, behavior, and features such as teeth grinding, saliva expulsion, and hand mouthing. [...] Overall, while the progressive worsening in some clinical features is expected in the <30 yo group, these results demonstrate that some clinical features improve in the <30 yo group and in contrast to previous reports, older people with RTT continue to show changes in clinical features with ongoing worsening of many functional skills, but improvement in nonverbal communication.
  • #61 Clinical Features and Disease Progression in Older Individuals with Rett Syndrome
    https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/15/8/1107
    Although it has been recognized that many individuals with RTT survive into adulthood, limited work has evaluated the clinical features of mature women with this disorder. […] The presumption was that maintenance of ambulation and purposeful hand function and lesser difficulties with seizures and scoliosis associated with specific point mutations (R133C, R294X, R306C and CTT) would influence the likelihood of longevity preferentially. […] In contrast, some clinical features improved in the <30 yo cohort from first visit to last visit, such as in nonverbal communication, behavior, and features such as teeth grinding, saliva expulsion, and hand mouthing. [...] Overall, while the progressive worsening in some clinical features is expected in the <30 yo group, these results demonstrate that some clinical features improve in the <30 yo group and in contrast to previous reports, older people with RTT continue to show changes in clinical features with ongoing worsening of many functional skills, but improvement in nonverbal communication.