Approach to a Floppy Infant

Authors

  • Dr. Prajakta Ghatage
  • Dr. Santoshi Kankante
  • Dr. Nitin Lonare
  • Dr. Ramesh Kothari
  • Dr. Sunil Mhaske

Keywords:

Floppy, Hypotonia, Developmental Dealay

Abstract

The floppy infant syndrome is a well-recognized entity for Paediatricians and neonatologists and refers to an infant with generalized hypotonia presenting at birth or in early life. An organized approach is essential when evaluating a floppy infant, as the causes are numerous. Muscle tone is generated by unconscious, continuous, partial contraction of muscle. A child with hypotonia has muscles that are slow to initiate a contraction against an outside force, and also cannot sustain a muscle contraction as long.  Hypotonia is the most common neurological abnormality of tone. Floppy infant exhibit poor control of movement, delayed motor skills, and hypotonic motor movement patterns. Weak infants always have hypotonia, but hypotonia may exist without weakness. Some indications of CNS abnormality are because of poor state of alertness, lack of response to visual and auditory stimuli, inability to manage co-ordinated functions like swallowing and sucking. There are two categories - Central and peripheral disorders. Several studies have shown that central causes account for 60% to 80% of hypotonia cases and that peripheral causes occur in 15% to 30%. Detailed neurologic assessment – tone,  strength, and reflexes. Assessment of tone – begin by examining posture, and movement. A floppy infant often lies with limbs abducted and extended. Treatment of the infant who has hypotonia must be tailored to the specific responsible condition. In general, therapy is supportive.

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Published

2018-03-12

How to Cite

Ghatage, D. P., Kankante, D. S. ., Lonare, D. N., Kothari, D. R., & Mhaske, D. S. (2018). Approach to a Floppy Infant. VIMS Health Science Journal, 5(1), 42–46. Retrieved from https://vimshsj.edu.in/index.php/main/article/view/279

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Review Articles

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