Understanding Rett Syndrome - Part 2

In the second episode of a four-part series on Rett syndrome, Dr. Stacey Clardy discusses the importance of early referrals, particularly during the regression phase. 

Show transcript: 

Dr. Stacey Clardy: 

This is the Neurology Minute. I'm Stacey Clardy from the Salt Lake City VA and the University of Utah. This is the second episode in a four-part series on Rett syndrome. Today, let's discuss when to refer and specifically early referral is absolutely critical in Rett syndrome, particularly during the regression phase. Any child, most often a girl with previously acquired developmental milestones who begins to lose language or lose purposeful hand use or develops stereotyped hand movements should prompt urgent neurologic evaluation. This would be referral to pediatric neurology, of course, and this should not wait for genetic confirmation. Early involvement of pediatric neurology allows for diagnostic clarification, anticipatory guidance, and coordination of care across systems. The genetic testing, typically with MECP2 sequencing and deletion or duplication analysis, this should be pursued early and if initial testing is negative but suspicion remains high, expanding that genetic evaluation is warranted. And beyond neurology, early engagement with developmental services, speech, occupational, and physical therapy should start before even a definitive diagnosis is necessarily established.

Rett syndrome is a multi-system disorder. So a care team is going to monitor for common comorbidities. This is not just epilepsy, but also gastrointestinal dysfunction, breathing abnormalities, and orthopedic complications. When delayed referrals occur, it's often due to attribution of regression to more common developmental conditions. Be sure to listen to the other Neurology Minute episodes in this series. We'll be back next time for our third episode, and we'll cover treatment options and ongoing management.