ERIC Number: EJ1470875
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jun
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: EISSN-1573-3432
Available Date: 2023-08-16
Alternative Diagnoses in the Work Up of Down Syndrome Regression Disorder
Jonathan D. Santoro1,2,4; Mellad M. Khoshnood1; Lina Nguyen1; Benjamin N. Vogel1; Natalie K. Boyd1; Kelli C. Paulsen1; Michael S. Rafii2,3
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v55 n6 p2085-2091 2025
Purpose: Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD) is a diagnosis of exclusion. Psychiatric and neuroimmunologic etiologies have been proposed although the exact etiology remains unknown. This study sought to review non-DSRD diagnoses at a large quaternary medical center specializing in the diagnosis of DSRD and compare clinical characteristics between those diagnosed with DSRD and those with non-DSRD diagnoses. Methods: The authors performed a single-center retrospective, chart-based, review of referrals for developmental regression in individuals with Down syndrome. Results: Two hundred and sixty-six individuals were evaluated for DSRD and of these, 54 (20%) ultimately had alternative diagnoses. Individuals with DSRD were more likely to have shorter nadir to clinical symptoms (p = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.36-0.47) and have preceding triggers (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.13-1.43) compared to those with alternative diagnoses. Individuals with non-DSRD diagnoses were more likely to be born premature (p = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.51-0.87) and have a history of epilepsy (p = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.23-0.77) but were also less likely to have a history of cytokine abnormalities on bloodwork (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.19-1.43) and have catatonia (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.54-2.17). The majority of alternative diagnoses (41/54, 76%) were autism spectrum disorder. In these cases, symptoms were more likely to be longstanding (symptoms > 12 months) and earlier onset (median 8 years, IQR: 6-11). Other diagnoses included epilepsy (5/54, 9%), Celiac disease (5/54, 9%), cerebrovascular disease (3/54, 6%). Conclusions: This study identifies that 20% of individuals referred with concerns for DSRD have alternative diagnoses. The majority of these diagnoses were autism, but rare treatable conditions were also identified, highlighting the importance of a thorough neurodiagnostic assessment.
Descriptors: Clinical Diagnosis, Alternative Assessment, Down Syndrome, Etiology, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Premature Infants, Epilepsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Diseases, Medical Evaluation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Division of Neuroimmunology, Los Angeles, USA; 2Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Department of Neurology, Los Angeles, USA; 3University of Southern California, Department of Neurology, Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI), Keck School of Medicine, San Diego, USA; 4Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Division of Neurology, Los Angeles, USA