Nasal health in Down syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Margaret A Chen1, Timothy R Lander, Claire Murphy
1Division of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, California 92120, USA.
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.
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