[Periodontitis associated with systemic diseases with qualitative deficiency of phagocyte function. II. Down's syndrome]

Numerous systemic syndromes with different aetiopathogenetic and clinical features are constantly accompanied by functional changes in polymorphonucleated neutrophils and, particularly, in their chemotactic properties. The function they perform, namely impeding invasion of the organism by external aggressive factors, cannot therefore be implemented. These patients are thus abnormally susceptible to infections and present a high frequency of serious periodontal disease.