Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Down syndrome: patterns of disturbed lung growth
B L Schloo1, G F Vawter, L M Reid
1Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Abstract:
Abnormal pulmonary development characterized by decreased alveolar complexity has been previously reported in patients with Down syndrome. We investigated the state of pulmonary development and found several undescribed patterns of disturbed lung growth. The axial branches of intrasegmental airways were counted in 13 Down syndrome patients; in nine, airway generation was reduced by 25% or more of the predicted number. The radial alveolar counts were evaluated in 11 lungs: five were 143% to 162% above expected (four to above adult values), five were as expected, and one was below expected (82%). No correlation was found between airway number and radial alveolar count. Our finding of the reduction in airway branching in the lungs of patients with Down syndrome suggests interference with development before birth. Disturbances in alveolar multiplication are also found.
Related Concept Videos
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

