Title:Medical and Dental Implications of Down Syndrome: A Review Part 1: General and Craniofacial Characteristic
VOLUME: 3 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Batool Ghaith, Mawlood B. Kowash and Manal El-Halabi
Affiliation:Al Bada Health centre Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 1, Dubai Landmark: Near Shangri-La Hotel Zip Code: 4545, UAE.
Keywords:Down syndrome, craniofacial anomalies, atlanto-axial joint instability, obstructive sleep apnoea.
Abstract: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.
