Nasal health in Down syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006 May;134(5):741-5. doi: 10.1016/j.otohns.2005.12.035.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate peripheral nasal pathology as a contributor to olfactory impairment in DS.

Study design: Twenty DS and 16 non-DS subjects were recruited. Nasal history and symptoms were assessed by self-report or informant. Olfactory threshold, odor identification, and nasal endoscopy were assessed on each subject.

Results: DS subjects were impaired on olfactory threshold (P<0.0001) and odor identification (P<0.001). Although DS subjects tended toward upper-respiratory infections, sleep-disordered breathing, and nasal itching, differences were not significant (P=0.07, 0.06, and 0.058, respectively). There were no significant differences on self-reported nasal history or symptoms. Endoscopy showed equivalent health in DS and control subjects.

Conclusion: This DS population shows olfactory impairment. However, nasal health is comparable in DS subjects and controls. Nasal dysfunction is unlikely to contribute to olfactory impairment in DS.

Significance: Olfactory deficits in DS appear to be secondary to central, rather than rhinologic, pathology.

Ebm rating: B-2b.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Down Syndrome / complications*
  • Down Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Endoscopy
  • Humans
  • Nose Diseases / complications*
  • Nose Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nose Diseases / physiopathology
  • Olfaction Disorders / complications*
  • Olfaction Disorders / diagnosis
  • Olfaction Disorders / physiopathology
  • Olfactory Bulb / physiopathology
  • Smell / physiology*