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Great — you’re asking about the Hall criteria, a set of clinical features used to help identify neonatal Down syndrome (trisomy 21). These criteria were described by Barry D. Hall in 1968 to aid early diagnosis based on physical signs observable at birth.
According to Hall, six key features are emphasized in neonates:
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Flat facial profile
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Epicanthic folds (skin fold of the upper eyelid covering the inner corner of the eye)
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Upslanting palpebral fissures (slant of the eyes upwards towards the outer side)
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Hypotonia (generalized low muscle tone)
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Single transverse palmar crease (Simian crease)
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Clinodactyly of the fifth finger (inward curving of the little finger)
Interpretation:
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If 4 or more of these 6 features are present in a neonate, there is a strong likelihood of Down syndrome.
Of course, karyotype analysis (chromosomal testing) is essential to confirm the diagnosis, but the Hall criteria are very useful for early clinical suspicion, especially when immediate genetic testing isn’t available.
Would you like help with the differential diagnosis or complications associated with neonatal Down syndrome?
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