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Rett Syndrome - FAQ
From Parents/Families
What is my child's life expectancy?
Most girls with RS live normal lifespans, although there is a small percentage who die unexpectedly of unknown causes. In one recent study in China, girls with RS had a 100% survival rate at 10 years of age and 87.5% at 25 years of age. [Wong: 2007] Etiologies that have been implicated include heart rhythm abnormalities and seizures; there does not appear to be any single cause however. [Kerr: 1999] The IRSA has recommended yearly EKG screening for heart rhythm abnormalities and seizures, if present or suspected, should be discussed with your Medical Home provider.Authors
| Author: | Lynne M Kerr MD, PhD, 6/2008 |
| Reviewing Author: | Karin Dent MS, CGC, 6/2007 |
| Content Last Updated: | 6/2008 |
Page Bibliography
Kerr AM, Julu PO.
Recent insights into hyperventilation from the study of Rett syndrome.
Arch Dis Child.
1999;80(4):384-7.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Wong VC, Li SY.
Rett syndrome: prevalence among Chinese and a comparison of MECP2 mutations of classic Rett syndrome with other neurodevelopmental
disorders.
J Child Neurol.
2007;22(12):1397-400.
PubMed abstract