What conditions are commonly seen in patients with Rett syndrome?

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder primarily affecting females, characterized by normal early development followed by a period of regression, where they lose purposeful hand skills and develop repetitive hand movements. One of the hallmark features of Rett syndrome is the presence of stereotypic hand movements, which often involve wringing or washing motions. This repetitive behavior replaces purposeful hand use and is a key diagnostic criterion for the disorder.

The other conditions mentioned do not specifically correlate with the core symptoms of Rett syndrome. Severe obesity and hypertension, while potentially seen in various populations for different reasons, are not characteristic features of Rett syndrome. Similarly, edema is not a recognized symptom of this condition; instead, it is more commonly associated with fluid retention due to various medical issues unrelated to Rett syndrome. Understanding the unique clinical features, such as hand-wringing motions, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of patients with Rett syndrome.