Outcomes of Infants with Idiopathic Hypotonia

Abstract

To describe the outcomes of children diagnosed before the age of two with idiopathic hypotonia. A total of 105 parents of children who were diagnosed with hypotonia returned a questionnaire. Medical records were reviewed. A transient impairment group (10.5%) reported no problems. A minimal impairment group (32.4%) had mild problems such as learning disability or language delay but no major developmental diagnosis. A globally impaired group (40.9%) had mental retardation or a recognizable genetic/developmental diagnosis. More than 50% of the minimal impairment group had poor coordination, language delay, and learning difficulties. The mean walking age (minimal group) was 22 months. Initial fine motor and cognitive, but not gross motor, developmental quotients were significantly greater in the minimal compared with global impairment group. Deficits in motor coordination, language, and learning difficulties were common problems that persisted in the minimal and global impairment groups.