Cephalometric Characteristics of Down Syndrome in Brazilian Population

Objective: This study aimed to compare cephalometric characteristics between individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and non-syndromic subjects.

Methods: Teleradiography of 15 patients with Down syndrome and 15 nonsyndromic individuals matched by age and gender were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed comparing cephalometric measurements between groups using Mann-Whitney test.

Results: The analysis of measurements showed the anterior and posterior shortening of the cranial base (SN and SBa length) in individuals with DS (p<0.05). Regarding the skeletal sagittal plane, it was noticed a reduction of SNA and SNB angles in cases with DS (p<0.05). The parameters ANB, Co-A and Co-Gn of individuals with Down syndrome were significantly reduced when compared to non-syndromic individuals (p<0.05). The 1U-NA angle presented was increased in cases with DS (p=0.001).

Conclusions: Individuals with Down syndrome have shortening of anterior and posterior cranial base, maxilar and mandibular retrognathia and protrusion and proclination of upper incisors.