DOWNS-SYNDROME AND ANESTHESIA

Down's syndrome is a common congenital abnormality associated with characteristic morphological features, impaired intellectual development and disorders of many organ systems with a broad spectrum of severity. Many of these, including defects in cosmetic appearance, are amenable to surgical correction. The risks of anaesthesia are increased in these children. In this article the anaesthetic implications of the syndrome are reviewed and the principles of perioperative management discussed.