Rett syndrome is a problem with the development of the nervous system. It is most common in girls. Boys with Rett syndrome are usually stillborn or die shortly after birth.
Many people with Rett syndrome live into adulthood. Most have severe disabilities, including an inability to talk or walk.
Rett syndrome is most often caused by nonhereditary mutations on a specific gene on one X chromosome.
Females have two X chromosomes. Males have one X and one Y chromosome. Males usually die from Rett syndrome because they lack a second normal X chromosome. The second normal X chromosome in girls may provide some protection.
In Rett syndrome, the mutated gene affects methyl cytosine binding protein 2 (MECP2). When it is mutated, there is a deficiency of this important protein. Not everyone with the MECP2 mutation will have Rett syndrome. Some females may be normal or have only mild symptoms.
It is not clear what causes the Rett gene to mutate. Rett syndrome is usually nonhereditary. This means it does not run in families.
There are no known risk factors for Rett syndrome.
Children with Rett syndrome will start developing normally. They will smile, move, and pick items up with their fingers. But by 18 months of age, the developmental process seems to stop or reverse itself. The age of onset and the severity of symptoms is different from person to person. There are 4 stages. Symptoms for each stage include:
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical and neurological exam will be done. Genetic testing can often confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may also do tests to rule out other conditions, like autism.
Some symptoms of Rett syndrome are similar to those of autism. Children with autism, who are more often boys, do not maintain person-to-person contact. Most girls with Rett syndrome, though, prefer human contact to focusing on inanimate objects. These differences may give the first clue in diagnosing Rett syndrome.
Physical and developmental symptoms can often lead your doctor to a Rett syndrome diagnosis.
Your child's bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with blood tests.
Your child's brain may be tested. This can be done with:
There is no cure for Rett syndrome. People with this condition need to be monitored for problems of the bones and heart.
Treatment aims to control symptoms and includes:
Medications that may help with symptoms include:
To support nutrition, your doctor may recommend:
These therapies will help manage physical and general care challenges:
Keeping a diary of your child's behaviors and activities helps determine the cause of agitation. The following may help to prevent or control behavior problems:
There is no way to prevent Rett syndrome. If you have questions about the risk of Rett syndrome in your family, talk to a genetic counselor.
International Rett Syndrome Foundation
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Ontario Rett Syndrome Association
Kazantsev AG, Thompson LM. Therapeutic implication of histone deacetlyase inhibitors for central nervous system disorders. Nature Review Drug Discovery. 2008;7:854-868.
Rett syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated February 25, 2010. Accessed June 3, 2014.
Rett syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated April 16, 2014. Accessed June 3, 2014.
Last reviewed February 2015 by Kari Kassir, MD
Last Updated: 6/3/2014