What is the life expectancy of children with MECP2 Duplication syndrome?
This question is more complicated than it appears to be. The syndrome has only recently been discovered and it is usually diagnosed in young children. Clearly, infectious disease is a major threat for these children. Based on about 70 cases that have been described in the literature, about half survived beyond the age of 12. However, a significant number reach adulthood and at least one individual in his 40s has been described. More time and more information will be required to develop better estimates. Hopefully, as more is learned about the health care needs of these individuals, the prospects for a long life will improve.
