Kisho is an information platform, not a medical provider. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All content is aggregated from publicly available sources (including ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, FDA.gov, and Orphanet) and is provided for informational purposes only. Clinical trial eligibility, treatment decisions, and any health-related actions should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Kisho does not endorse any specific therapy, organization, or clinical trial. Terms of use · Privacy policy
A neurodevelopmental disorder that is diagnosed when a child presents with a Rett-like syndrome but does not fulfill all the diagnostic criteria for typical Rett syndrome (classic/typical RTT).
No HPO annotations are available for this condition.
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) characterized by severe early-onset epilepsy and motor, cognitive, visual, and autonomic disturbances [, , , , , , , ]. Movement disorders include chorea, dystonia, and stereotypical hand and leg movements . Cardiac involvement is nonspecific . Because the full spectrum of phenotypic severity is still emerging, especially given the possibility of mosaicism (in males and females) and the potential for skewed X-chromosome inactivation (in females), an individual with a de novo CDKL5 pathogenic variant may have a mild phenotype (for example, minimal epilepsy and global developmental delays). To date, approximately 500 individuals have been identified with CDD .
For the purposes of this GeneReview, the terms "male" and "female" are narrowly defined as the individual's biological sex at birth as it determines clinical care . Diagnostic criteria for CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) have been proposed .
CDD should be suspected in females and males with motor and cognitive developmental delays and epilepsy with onset in the first year of life (developmental delays and early-onset epilepsy constitute the minimal clinical diagnostic criteria proposed by ). Note: (1) Although females are more commonly affected than males with this X-linked disorder, the severity of manifestations in affected females and males can be equivalent.
No approved treatments are currently available for atypical Rett syndrome. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
International consensus recommendations for the assessment and management of individuals with CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) have been published (full text). The management of individuals with CDD is complex and requires multiple specialty appointments; referral to a CDKL5 Center of Excellence may allow families to more easily coordinate care for affected individuals (to date, ten CDKL5 Centers of Excellence have been established in the United States).
To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations summarized in are recommended. In general, annual assessments by a medical home/primary care physician and specialists are needed.
Table 7.
CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency
2 clinical trials registered, 2 recruiting. Interventions under study include other interventions. Research is primarily sponsored by academic and government institutions.
12 publications have been identified in PubMed for atypical Rett syndrome. Research spans Epidemiology / Natural History (33%), Case Report / Case Series (25%), and Basic Science / Preclinical (25%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Disease patterns and progression | 4 | 33% |
Data assembled from 5 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 5:32 PM UTC
Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) provide support, resources, and community for patients and caregivers.
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Source: GeneReviews — "CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder"
Source: GeneReviews — "CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder"
Table 3. Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies in the Differential Diagnosis of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder
Gene(s) | Disorder | MOI |
|---|---|---|
ARX | ARX-related DEE (OMIM 308350) | XL FOXG1 |
GABRA1 | GABRA1-related DEE (OMIM 615744) | AD |
GABRB3 | GABRB3-related DEE (OMIM 617113) | AD |
GABRG2 | GABRG2-related DEE (OMIM 618396) | AD GRIN2A |
KCNQ2 | KCNQ2-related developmental epileptic encephalopathy (OMIM 613720) | AD KCNT1 |
MECP2 | MECP2 classic Rett syndrome (See MECP2 Disorders.) | XL MECP2 duplication syndrome |
PCDH19 | PCDH19-related DEE (OMIM 300088) | XL SCN1A |
SCN2A | SCN2A-related DEE (OMIM 613721) | AD SCN8A |
SLC2A1 | Classic glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (See Glucose Transporter Type 1 Deficiency Syndrome.) | AD(AR)1 STXBP1 |
Source: GeneReviews — "CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder"
Biomarker and diagnostic research for atypical Rett syndrome has been reported in the published literature.
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with CDD, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended.
Table 4.
CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment
| Measurement of OFC, length, weight | • Smaller OFC is assoc w/ severity of disorder.1
Poor weight gain can reflect nutritional status.
| Eval of epilepsy by neurologist or epileptologist | • EEG to assess EEG background, epileptiform activity, seizure type correlate w/clinical semiology
Prolonged video EEGs may be required to characterize spells of unclear etiology or rule out subclinical status epilepticus.
Eval of movement disorders | To characterize movement disorder, if present, ascertain effect on gross fine motor skills
Ophthalmologic/
| Ophthalmologist | Assess for visual acuity, abnormal ocular movement, refractive errors, strabismus
Source: GeneReviews — "CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder"
Several therapies have been investigated or are ongoing for CDD including the following:
Soticlestat/TAK935 (NCT03694275)
Ataluren (NCT02758626)
Fenfluramine (NCT03861871, NCT05064878)
Canabidiol
Ketogenic diet
Vagal nerve stimulation
Protein and gene replacement therapies have been proposed.
Clinical trials and registries assessing natural history and outcome measures are ongoing (NCT05558371, NCT05373719, NCT04486768). Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions.
Source: GeneReviews — "CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder"
2 trials found
| Measurement of OFC, length, weight | Annually, or more frequently as required for mgmt
| Monitor those w/seizures as clinically indicated. | At each annual visit
Assess for new manifestations such as seizures, changes in tone, movement disorders. | At each visit
| • Measurement of growth parameters
Eval of nutritional status safety of oral intake
Eval of feeding time
| Monitor developmental progress educational needs.
Neurobehavioral/
| Assessment for sleep, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, aggression, self-injury
| Monitor for feeding, nutrition, constipation, GERD.
| Monitor for evidence of aspiration respiratory insufficiency.
| • Physical medicine, OT/PT assessment of mobility, self-help skills
Assessment of large joint mobility (e.g., hip surveillance)
Clinical eval of spine
Spine radiograph as needed to identify progressive scoliosis
Referral to orthopedist if Cobb angle 45 degrees for consideration of surgical correction
| At each annual visit
| Assess family need for social work support (e.g., palliative/respite care, home...
Source: GeneReviews — "CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder"
Estimated prevalence: 1-9 in 100,000 (Uncommon).
Patient case studies |
3 |
25% |
Laboratory research | 3 | 25% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 2 | 17% |
Byiers B (2026). [PMID: 41340519](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41340519/). *Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Tran A (2026). [PMID: 41695045](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41695045/). *JPGN reports*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Fasaludeen A (2026). [PMID: 41619470](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41619470/). *Pediatric neurology*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Akter H (2025). [PMID: 40671880](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40671880/). *Genetics in medicine open*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Erdogan M (2025). [PMID: 41039142](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41039142/). *Acta neurologica Belgica*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Zhang E (2025). [PMID: 40496977](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40496977/). *Human mutation*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Boeri S (2025). [PMID: 40448273](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40448273/). *Mov Disord Clin Pract*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Aslam H (2025). [PMID: 40403194](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40403194/). *Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Hryniewiecka-Jaworska A (2025). [PMID: 40194792](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40194792/). *Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID*. [Case Report / Case Series]
May D (2024). [PMID: 39061009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39061009/). *Journal of neurodevelopmental disorders*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
AI-curated news mentioning atypical Rett syndrome
Updated Aug 18, 2026
A global literature review highlights the comorbidities and supportive medications associated with Rett syndrome. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the complexities of managing this rare neurological disorder.
A recent study published in PubMed explores family quality of life for those affected by Rett syndrome, providing valuable insights from Brazilian families. This research highlights the unique challenges and support needs of families dealing with this rare neurological disorder.
A pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of simulation-based pediatric basic life support training for caregivers of children with Rett syndrome. The findings suggest improvements in caregiver performance, highlighting the need for targeted training in this area.
Neurogene's gene therapy NGN-401 shows efficacy in a low-dose cohort for Rett syndrome, with plans to enroll 8 patients by year-end. However, a serious adverse event in the high-dose group raises concerns, prompting the company to prepare for a registrational clinical trial in 2025.
Neurogene's NGN-401 for Rett syndrome has received RMAT designation from the FDA, allowing for enhanced regulatory guidance during its development. This designation is part of the FDA's START Pilot Program aimed at accelerating rare disease therapeutics.