Is there any seasonal influence in the conceptions of Down's syndrome subjects?

An epidemiological study examined the influence of seasonal factors on conceptions of Trisomy 21 Ss. The monthly conception periods of 384 Down's syndrome Ss born between 1973 and 1986 were compared with the conception months of all Italian live-born babies of the same years. The seasonal distribution of conceptions of Down's syndrome Ss has differed significantly, showing increased rates in spring and in the 1st and 2nd months of autumn and decreased rates in the 3rd autumn and winter months. This divergence was significant for the whole sample and for the subgroup of Ss born to mothers less than 36 yrs old.

The anticipation of walking in drug treated Down infants: A controlled study

40 home reared Down syndrome children (24 F and 16 M; 39 pure trisomy 21 +2 translocations; average age at first consultation: 10.70 months) were given an individually adjusted pharmacotherapy for at least six months before they were 24 months old.
The time they reached autonomous walking was compared to that of a control group of 103 non-institutionalized Down children (59 M and 44 F; sex ratio = 134; the year of birth of the older one was the sane of the older child in the index group; distribution of chromosomal anomalies: pure trisomy 21 = 96 Ss (93.20%), translocations = 4 Ss (3.89%), mosaicisms = 3 Ss (2.91%); nationwide provenance; average age at first consultation: 44.44 months), all seen after they bad begun autonomous walking. Resulted times of autonomous walking were as follows: index group: range: 16 - 35 months, average 22.55; control group: range: 13 - 56 months: average 26.16 ("t" = 2.45, with 142 df; p .01. For each subject drugs used and daily doses are detailed.

A strange posture adopted by Down's syndrome individuals when sleeping: An epidemiological survey on a cohort of 432 subjects

In a cohort of 432 Down's syndrome individuals, 33 Ss (7.64%; 24 M + 9 F; average age at first consultation: 7; 8 years; distribution of chromosomal anomalies: pure trisomy 21 = 24 Ss; mosaicisn 4 Ss; only clinical diagnosis = 1 S) were reported as taking up a "strange" posture during sleep. Twenty-six Ss sleep in a prone-supine position (i.e. "folded in two", with the head finding its way down by the feet) = 78.79%; 4 Ss completely on is back with the thighs and lower legs drawn up against the trunk (variant 1 = 12.12%) and 3 Ss in a face-down position with the thighs and legs tucked up under the trunk, as a Muslim who is praying (variant 2: 9.09%). Compared to a representative sample of 399 Downs, the index group significantly differ as for the distribution of chromosomal anomalies, and bruxism [as a sign of current stress] but not in sex ratio, maternal age at birth, prematurity, low birthweight or both. The different distribution of chromosomal anomalies was cautiously interpreted as due to the small size of the index group. The need of taking this posture was hypothesized as a compensator working against sleep hypotension.

Effectiveness of rehabilitative treatment for Down's syndrome children: 20 years of experience

Studied the usefulness of R. Brinkworth's (1967) early treatment and training/guided parental intervention program. Human Ss: 629 male and female Italian infants, preschool and school-age children, adolescents, and adults (Down's syndrome) (treated cases); 76 male and female Italian school-age children, adolescents, and adults (Down's syndrome) (untreated control Ss). A long-term clinical cross-sectional study was conducted. Tests used: The Griffith Mental Development Scale (R. Griffith, 1954).

The weight/stature relationship in male Down's syndrome Ss before pharmacotherapy: Normative data

Studied developmental differences in the weight:height ratio. Human Ss: 152 male Italian infants, preschool and school-age children, adolescents, and adults (aged 1 yr 1 mo to 18 yrs) (Down's syndrome with normal distribution of chromosomal cytodiagnoses). Findings were compared to age-matched Italian standard data.

Psychosis in Down children: An epidemiological and clinical survey on 413 subjects

Examined 413 home-reared Down's syndrome Ss (aged no more than 180 mo at 1st consultation). 42 Ss, 40 of whom had pure trisomy 21, 1 with mosaicism, and 1 without cytodiagnosis, were diagnosed as suffering from childhood psychosis. Early onset pervasive developmental disorder was found in 39 children and late onset pervasive developmental disorder in the other 3 children. Another clinical feature of this group of psychotic Ss was the reduction of male prevalence, in comparison both with psychotic non-Down's children and nonpsychotic Down's children. 71.4% of Ss presented bruxism as a signal of current stress. The excess incidence of childhood psychosis among Down's children (10.17%) may be due to continuous metabolic stress.

Teaching addition to Down's syndrome children with the counting-on method

Administered a teaching program using the counting-on technique to improve numerical skills. Human Ss: 21 New Zealand school-age children (aged 9 yrs 6 mo to 11 yrs 5 mo) (Down's syndrome). Structured interviews were administered to all Ss to assess their numerical skills. Then 9 of the Ss, who were aged 10 yrs 11 mo to 12 yrs 6 mo at this point, were taught to add with the counting-on method. A multiple-baseline design was used to judge the effectiveness of the teaching program at its conclusion and at 6-mo follow-up.

Sensitivity to environmental temperature in Down's syndrome Ss: A study of 432 cases

Conducted an epidemiologic study of consecutive Down's syndrome cases to determine the incidence of and variation in hot and cold weather intolerance. Human Ss: 432 male and female Italian preschool and school-age children (mean age 5 yrs 10 mo) (Down's syndrome) (raised at home). Ss' parents were interviewed.

Nystagmus in Down's syndrome children: Presence, implications, and outcome following pharmacotherapy

Studied (1) the presence of horizontal nystagmus and its possible correlation with prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors; and (2) the effects of multidrug therapy. Human Ss: 432 male and female Italian infants, preschool and school-age children, and adolescents (aged 1 yr 4 mo to 16 yrs 7 mo) (Down's syndrome). Treatments: Therapy with l-glutamine, pyridoxine, biotin, and diazepam was administered for up to 4 yrs.