Research in developmental disabilities
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Sleep disturbance is a common problem in children with developmental disabilities. Effective pharmacologic interventions are needed to ameliorate sleep problems that persist when behavior therapy alone is insufficient. The aim of the present study was to provide an overview of the quantity and quality of pharmacologic research targeting sleep in children with developmental disabilities. ⋯ Well-controlled studies employing both objective polysomnography and subjective sleep measures are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of currently prescribed pediatric sleep medicines. Melatonin appears to be the most widely assessed agent and safest choice for children with developmental disabilities. Trazodone, mirtazapine, and ramelteon hold promise but require further study.
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Review Case Reports
Treatment of hyperthyroidism in Down syndrome: case report and review of the literature.
Thyroid disorders are common in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Hyperthyroidism occurs much less frequently than hypothyroidism in this population, but is likely to be underestimated. ⋯ We also review the literature on the three treatment options for hyperthyroidism in DS: surgery, medical treatment, and radiotherapy. We concluded that the place of radioiodine in the treatment of hyperthyroid patients with DS is yet to be defined.