Cranial base growth in patients with Down syndrome: A longitudinal study

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the growth of the cranial base in a sample of patients diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: The sample comprised 47 subjects (25 boys, 22 girls) with DS. All patients had at least 2 x-rays that showed the cranial base. To make comparisons among age groups, the sample was divided into 3 groups: prepubescent (8-11 years), pubescent (12-14 years), and postpubescent (15-18 years). A control group included 38 normal subjects (22 boys, 16 girls, without DS) who were part of a longitudinal growth sample. Computerized cephalometric analysis was performed on all subjects, and cephalometric superimpositions were made. Two-way ANOVA was used to study the overall changes between groups. In addition, 1-way ANOVA and the Duncan multiple range test were used to analyze possible differences in the age groups. Results: Cranial base growth in patients with DS from age 8 to 18 was similar to that of the control group. Structural differences in the cranial base are established before 8 years of age and consist of shorter, flatter anterior and posterior bases.