Assessment and Diagnosis of Down Syndrome Regression Disorder: International Expert Consensus

Jonathan D. Santoro, Lina Patel, Ryan Kammeyer, Robyn A. Filipink, Grace Y. Gombolay, Kathleen M. Cardinale, Diego Real de Asua, Shahid Zaman, Stephanie L. Santoro, Sammer M. Marzouk, Mellad Khoshnood, Benjamin N. Vogel, Runi Tanna, Dania Pagarkar, Sofia Dhanani, Maria del Carmen Ortega, Rebecca Partridge, Maria A. Stanley, Jessica S. Sanders, Alison ChristyElise M. Sannar, Ruth Brown, Andrew A. McCormick, Heather Van Mater, Cathy Franklin, Gordon Worley, Eileen A. Quinn, George T. Capone, Brian Chicoine, Brian G. Skotko, Michael S. Rafii

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To develop standardization for nomenclature, diagnostic work up and diagnostic criteria for cases of neurocognitive regression in Down syndrome. Background: There are no consensus criteria for the evaluation or diagnosis of neurocognitive regression in persons with Down syndrome. As such, previously published data on this condition is relegated to smaller case series with heterogenous data sets. Lack of standardized assessment tools has slowed research in this clinical area. Methods: The authors performed a two-round traditional Delphi method survey of an international group of clinicians with experience in treating Down syndrome to develop a standardized approach to clinical care and research in this area. Thirty-eight potential panelists who had either previously published on neurocognitive regression in Down syndrome or were involved in national or international working groups on this condition were invited to participate. In total, 27 panelists (71%) represented nine medical specialties and six different countries reached agreement on preliminary standards in this disease area. Moderators developed a proposed nomenclature, diagnostic work up and diagnostic criteria based on previously published reports of regression in persons with Down syndrome. Results: During the first round of survey, agreement on nomenclature for the condition was reached with 78% of panelists agreeing to use the term Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD). Agreement on diagnostic work up and diagnostic criteria was not reach on the first round due to low agreement amongst panelists with regards to the need for neurodiagnostic testing. Following incorporation of panelist feedback, diagnostic criteria were agreed upon (96% agreement on neuroimaging, 100% agreement on bloodwork, 88% agreement on lumbar puncture, 100% agreement on urine studies, and 96% agreement on “other” studies) as were diagnostic criteria (96% agreement). Conclusions: The authors present international consensus agreement on the nomenclature, diagnostic work up, and diagnostic criteria for DSRD, providing an initial practical framework that can advance both research and clinical practices for this condition.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number940175
JournalFrontiers in Neurology
Volume13
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 15 2022

Keywords

  • Down syndrome
  • consensus
  • criteria & indicators
  • encephalopathy
  • regression

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Assessment and Diagnosis of Down Syndrome Regression Disorder: International Expert Consensus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this