Comparison of Respiratory Mortality in the Profoundly Mentally Retarded and in the Less Retarded*

Forensic issues in Down syndrome fatalities

“…11,25 More serious respiratory infections tend to occur in the more profoundly intellectually impaired. 26,27 An increased rate of Hepatitis B infection has been found that may result in an increased mortality from liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. 16 …”

Effect of Gastrojejunal Feedings on Visits and Costs in Children With Neurologic Impairment

“…Both predispose these children to aspiration pneumonia (AP), the most common cause of death in this population (3,(5)(6)(7)(8). For children with NI and dysfunctional swallowing, gastrostomy tube (GT) feedings are often initiated to provide either supplemental or complete enteral nutrition.…”

Impact of Fundoplication Versus Gastrojejunal Feeding Tubes on Mortality and in Preventing Aspiration Pneumonia in Young Children With Neurologic Impairment Who Have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

“…Pediatrics 2009;123:338-345 A SPIRATION PNEUMONIA (AP) is the most common cause of death in children with severe neurologic impairment. [1][2][3][4] These children have dysfunctional swallowing and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which places them at risk for AP. [5][6][7] There are competing surgical and radiologic management approaches to treat GERD and prevent AP in this population.…”