Evaluation of Craniofacial Morphology in Subjects with Down’s Syndrome: A Cephalometric Study

Abstract

Down’s syndrome is a disease entity in which the defect in mental development is associated in a unique way with a large number of physical defects. It is a condition resulting  from an extra chromosome 21 and thus the condition is also known as Trisomy 21. It is considered one of the most frequent genetic causes of mental retardation.

The incidence of Down’s syndrome is estimated to be between 1.6 to 2.5 per 1000 live births and increases with increase in maternal age.^4,59,10 Mongoloids usually exhibit retarded motor and language skills, with an IQ range from extremely low to 45-55.

Cephalometry has now been firmly established as the most essential procedure for gaining knowledge of the complexities of dentofacial skeletal pattern. By utilizing cephalometric radiography, whereby description, morphologic outline, measurement and change in growth of the skull can be fairly accurately ascertained, it might be possible to observe some of the subtle

The present study is an attempt to determine cephalometrically whether the group of individuals with Down’s syndrome have a distinctive craniofacial phenotype. The growth of the craniofacial area in the presence of the extra chromosome is also examined.