Author(s): Batool Ghaith, Mawlood B. Kowash and Manal El-Halabi
Page: [151 - 158] Pages: 8
* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)
Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of three chromosomes instead of two, specifically chromosome No. 21. The special needs status of DS individuals makes them more prone to several medical conditions such as congenital heart disease, gastrointestinal tract anomalies, immunodeficiency, visual impairment, skeletal defects, audiological dysfunction, seizures, acute leukaemia and thyroid disorders. A thorough knowledge of the unusual medical and orofacial abnormalities and their implications is crucial for a successful dental preventive and treatment planning. This paper provides an updated review of DS definition, etiology, epidemiology, medical problems and dentofacial abnormalities.
Keywords: Down syndrome, craniofacial anomalies, atlanto-axial joint instability, obstructive sleep apnoea.
