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Floppy Infant Syndrome, Pediatric

Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • “Floppy infant” refers to the newborn/infant presenting at birth or early in life with hypotonia, a symptom of diminished tone of skeletal muscles associated with decreased resistanc...

DIAGNOSIS

History and physical exam findings used to categorize patients as having central, peripheral, or combined hypotonia. 

HISTORY

  • Pregnancy and delivery

    • Pregnancy

      • Maternal illness (especially myasth...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

  • Anticholinesterase inhibitors and 3,4-diaminopyridine in congenital myasthenic syndromes

  • IV immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis have been used in treatment of infants with Guillain-Ba...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Individualized multidisciplinary care including specialists in neurology, pulmonology, orthopedics, development, physiotherapy, and nutrition; attention to vision...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Bodensteiner JB. The evaluation of the hypotonic infant. Semin Pediatr Neurol.  2008;15(1):10–20. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Harris SR. Congenital hypotonia: clinical and d...

CODES

ICD9

  • 781.99 Other symptoms involving nervous and musculoskeletal systems

  • 779.89 Other specified conditions originating in the perinatal period

ICD10

P94.2 Congenital hypotonia 

SNOMED

33010005 Floppy ...

FAQ

  • Q: What is the meaning of “benign congenital hypotonia”?

  • A: It is an antiquated term used to describe patients in whom hypotonia resolved before 18 months. This designation should be avoided; it is...

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