Dornase alpha inhalations as a treatment option for recurrent lower respiratory tract infections in a child with Sotos syndrome

Abstract

Recurrent episodes of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a rare complication of muscular hypotonia in patients with Sotos syndrome. We report on a male child suffering from repeated LRTIs including bronchitis, pneumonia, and atelectasis during infancy despite inhalations with salbutamol and fluticasone combined with manual chest percussion therapy. After initiation of dornase alpha inhalations in addition to the current treatment, we observed an improvement in the respiratory symptoms as well as a reduction in the rate of hospitalizations and in the occurrence of LRTIs. We assume that dornase alpha inhalations, in combination with airway clearance techniques, reduced the viscosity of airway secretions and by this improved mucociliary clearance and coughing efficiency.