Growth and dietary needs in the infant with Down syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Down Syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is the most common identifiable non-heritable genetic cause of intellectual disability. It is a genetic alteration caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in pair 21, most commonly appearing in its free form (95% of cases). Children with DS are characterized by various “abnormalities” such as marked hypotonia and phenotypic features including slanted eyes, a flattened nose, and a short neck. Nutritionally, there is a tendency toward obesity, so the diet should be balanced, high in fiber, and contain fewer total calories than those recommended for children of the same weight and height. This research presents a case report conducted on a pediatric patient with DS. A clinical history was taken, as well as measurements of weight and height, a 24-hour dietary recall to assess her nutritional requirements, and an interview with the mother. The results showed that the patient consumes 820 kcal per day, which reflects a low intake for her age. Additionally, there was a low intake of foods of animal origin due to their texture, and a high consumption of fruits mainly soft-textured ones such as banana, pear, guava, papaya, etc. In conclusion, children with DS should receive proper nutrition and diet to support healthy growth and development and to help prevent conditions such as obesity and hypothyroidism.