Question
What are the initial manifestations of neonatal Down syndrome?
Answer
Neonates with Down syndrome may show specific facial features at birth, such as widely spaced eyes, a low and flat root of the nose, narrow eyes that slant outward and upwards, a larger tongue that may stick out of the mouth, and excessive drooling. They may also display a lack of appetite and difficulties in feeding, as well as mood swings, including crying or a good appetite. Additionally, these children often have delays in intelligence, motor development, and sexual development, and may be accompanied by congenital heart disease or other malformations, as well as immune system abnormalities, making them prone to various infections.