Abnormal oral vascular network pattern geometry: a new clinical sign of down syndrome.

Down syndrome is a leading genetic cause of mental retardation. Here, we show high fractal dimensions and Lempel-Ziv complexity and lower minimum path fractal dimension (P < or = .0006) for the oral vascular networks of patients (n = 14) and their unaffected parents. This newly recognized sign may provide a useful phenotypical marker for identifying couples potentially at risk for offspring with Down syndrome.

Polyhydramnios: a predictor of severe growth impairment in achondroplasia.

The phenotypical characteristics in 20 children with achondroplasia were examined in relation to the occurrence of polyhydramnios. A history of polyhydramnios (9 of 20 cases) was associated with a lower height (SD) (P <.05), more severe shortening of the lower segment and upper limbs (P =.0001), and higher frequency of left-handedness (P =.0081).