New on Down Syndrome Online

Prevalence of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in north Indian mothers having babies with Trisomy 21 Down syndrome

Recent studies have evaluated possible links between polymorphisms in maternal folate metabolism genes and Down syndrome. Some of these studies show a significantly increased prevalence of the C677T polymorphism of the 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (NADPH ) gene (MTH FR) among mothers who have had babies with Down syndrome. This study by Kohli and colleagues examined the prevalence of the MTH FR C677T polymorphism among 104 north Indian mothers of babies with Down syndrome and 109 control mothers. Full article available at: www.down-syndrome.org/reports/2004

Medical issues among children and teenagers with Down syndrome in Hong Kong

This article examines the prevalence of medical problems in children and teenagers with Down syndrome in Hong Kong, based on a review of medical records of over 400 individuals aged 0-17 years. The prevalence of medical problems was high in children and teenagers with Down syndrome in Hong Kong and similar to previous findings elsewhere. Cardiovascular problems were observed in 216 (53%), endocrine problems in 111 (27%), gastrointestinal problems in 46 (11%), haematological problems in 18 (4%), neurological problems in 27 (7%), sleep problems in 36 (9%), skeletal problems in 56 (14%), visual problems in 195 (48%) and auditory problems in 137 (34%). Full article available at: www.down-syndrome.org/reports/2005

Medical conditions and medication use in adults with Down syndrome: A descriptive analysis

This study examined the presence of medical conditions and medication use within a sample of adults with Down syndrome.

doi:10.3104/reports.2009

Oral health condition and treatment needs of a group of Nigerian individuals with Down syndrome

This study was carried out to determine the oral health condition and treatment needs of a group of individuals with Down syndrome in Nigeria.

doi:10.3104/reports.2022

Down syndrome in the neurology clinic: Too much? Too little? Too late?

This paper presents a review of all patients with Down syndrome seen over a 5-year period by one consultant neurologist in general outpatient and specialist cognitive function clinics. It revealed only 7 cases in > 4500 general referrals (= 0.2%), all referred with suspected seizure disorders.

doi:10.3104/reports.2011

Metric analysis of the hard palate in children with Down syndrome - a comparative study

The hard palate is the bony plate located in the roof of the mouth. It plays an important role in speech. This study examines the structure of the hard palate among individuals with Down syndrome and the possible implications for clear speech.

doi:10.3104/reports.1999

The impact of periodontal disease on the quality of life of individuals with Down syndrome

Good dental hygiene is important and requires effective daily attention. A new study investigates the prevalence of periodontal disease among children and adolescents with Down syndrome in Brazil. It also explores the impact of periodontal disease on the quality of life for these young people.

doi:10.3104/reports.1998

Parents’ perceptions of health and physical activity needs of children with Down syndrome

Everyone needs exercise, but people with Down syndrome often face challenges in engaging in physical activities. A new study investigates the perceptions of parents about the health and physical activity needs of their children with Down syndrome. The authors report and discuss the issues surrounding access to physical activities

doi:10.3104/reports.1996

Prevalence of bruxism among Mexican children with Down syndrome

Bruxism (teeth grinding) appears to be common among people with Down syndrome. The reasons for this are not well understood. A new study examines the prevalence of bruxism in a Mexican community of children with Down syndrome and evaluates the relationship of bruxism to factors including age, sex and level of disability.

doi:10.3104/reports.1995