Evaluation of the prevalence of changes in mastigatory muscles of Down Syndrome individuals

Abstract

Down syndrome (DS) is genetically characterized by the total or partial presence of an extra chromosome in par 21, also known as chromosome 21 trisomy. One of the manifestations found in individuals with DS is muscle hypotonia, especially of the masticatory and oropharyngeal muscles. Such muscles may compromise basic actions such as swallowing, breathing, speech and as a consequence sleep disturbances.583/5000Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of alterations in masticatory muscle activity (temporal, masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles), through electromyography, in an infantile and juvenile public with DS. Patients with DS will be recruited at the Integrated Health Ambulatory of Nove de Julho University. Participants will be evaluated by electromyography of the masseter, temporal and sternocleidomastoid muscles, application of the NOT-S protocol in order to evaluate the orofacial dysfunction of the individual; in addition to the Sleep Disorder for Children (SDSC) questionnaire. Data will be tabulated and processed in GraphPad PRISM version 7.0 software. The values will be tested for normality by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and will be expressed as mean and standard deviation if they assume the Gauss curve. After the evaluations, the groups will be divided according to the changes found in the masticatory muscles. For comparison between groups will be performed T-test, considering a significance level of 0.5% (p <0.05). (AU)