Developmental outcomes of Down syndrome and Dandy-Walker malformation

• Authors: Kaitlin Love, Florida State University; Lillie Huddleston, Emory University; Pat Olney, Emory University; David Wrubel, Emory University; Jeannie Visootsak, Emory University
• Journal Title: Journal of Pediatric Neurology
• Volume: Volume 9, Number 3
• Publisher: IOS Press | 2011-01-01, Pages 405-408
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.3233/JPN-2011-0500
• Subjects: Biology, Neuroscience
• Keywords: Down syndrome; Dandy-Walker syndrome; developmental outcomes

Abstract

Dandy-Walker syndrome (DWS), or Dandy-Walker complex, is a congenital brain malformation of the posterior fossa, typically resulting in developmental delay and cognitive disability. The co-occurrence of Down syndrome (DS) and DWS is relatively uncommon; thus, its impact on developmental outcomes has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we report a case of a 37-month-old child with DS and DWS, who is functioning at the following age-equivalent: gross motor at a 9-mo level, fine motor 6 mo, expressive language 14 mo, receptive language 9 mo. As such, it is important to determine how the DWS influences developmental outcomes, and appreciate the importance of early interventional therapy.