Guidelines of the Croatian Society of Pediatric Neurology for the diagnosis of floppy infant

Abstract

Floppy infant syndrome is a common diagnostic problem in newborns and infants. Clinical diagnosis is based on restriction of spontaneous motor activity, joint hypermobility and lack of resistance on passive movement examination. Floppy infant syndrome may be caused by the central nervous system, neuromuscular, connective tissue, endocrinological, chromosomal, genetic and metabolic disorders. The diagnostic work-up in many instances is often complex and requires multidisciplinary assessment. As the etiology is heterogeneous and diagnostic procedures are complex, rational approach to the diagnostic process is of utmost importance. In this paper, we present recommendations for the evaluation of children with hypotonia depending on the child’s age and clinical picture.