Patterns Of Floppy Infants Attending Assiut University Children Hospital

The Floppy Infant includes a variety of signs and symptoms: decrease in muscle tone (hypotonia), in muscle power (weakness) and ligamentous laxity and increased range of joint mobility. Based on clinical criteria hypotonia can be classified in two major groups: central hypotonia and peripheral hypotonia .

Hypotonia is defined as poor muscle tone in the muscles of the trunk, limbs and face. This means that the muscles provide little resistance when someone else is passively moving them. Hypotonia can be categorized as axial or truncal ,predominantly affecting the neck and spinal muscles; appendicular, affecting predominantly the extremities; or global, affecting the entire body. It is identified early in life when the newborn is unable to obtain a normal posture during movements or at rest.

Regardless of whether the underlying cause of hypotonia is peripheral or central in origin, the presentation of floppy infant syndrome focuses on observing for the presence or absence of specific signs such as 'frog-leg' posture, significant head lag on traction or pull-to-sit maneuver, or the feeling of 'slipping through the hands' when the infant is held under the arms.

The primary objective of the diagnosis is to enable, where possible, an early identification of the problem to start an effective supportive therapy. A precise etiological diagnosis also allows formulating a more accurate prognosis. Last but not least, the identification of forms of neonatal hypotonia with familial transmission is crucial for the formulation of a genetic counseling for future pregnancies.

Inspite of the advances in laboratory diagnosis and imaging, multidisciplinary evaluation by different specialties including genetics, metabolics , pediatric neurology and pediatric neuroradiology is mandatory .