Pediatrics: Interventions: Down's Syndrome

Question 1

Down’s syndrome: Pathology

Answer 1

• Chromosomal abnormality caused by breakage and translocation of a piece of chromosome onto normal chromosome

Question 2

Down’s syndrome: Types

Answer 2

• Standard 95% of cases
• Translocation (Normal number of chromosomes)
• Mosaic (rare)

Question 3

Down’s Syndrome: CNS changes

Answer 3

• Brain weight less than normal
• Cerebellum and brain stem lighter than normal
• Smaller convulsions of cortex

Question 4

Down’s syndrome: Impairments

Answer 4

• Hypotonia
• Septal defects
• Visual and hearing loss
• Atlantoaxial subluxation/dislocation could be due to laxity of transverse odontoid ligament

Question 5

Down’s syndrome: Impairments: Signs of AA Instability

Answer 5

• Decreased strength
• Decreased ROM
• Hyporeflexic deep tendon reflexes
• Decreased sensation in extremities
• Persistent head tilt
• Increased muscle tone

Question 6

Down’s syndrome: Red Flag

Answer 6

• Forceful neck flexion and rotation activities should be limited due to AA ligament laxity