Os primeiros mil dias de vida da criança com Síndrome de Down: uma revisão de escopo

Abstract

The first thousand days of a child’s life span from conception to the end of the second year and are considered a critical period for preventing various health problems and for implementing interventions that ensure proper nutrition and healthy development, resulting in lifelong benefits. In the case of children with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), this period takes on even more sensitive and strategic aspects, requiring close attention from healthcare professionals. Therefore, a scoping review was conducted to answer a research question developed based on the PCC mnemonic (Population, Concept, and Context). The studied <Population= was children with Down Syndrome, the <Concept= was the first days of life of children with Down Syndrome, and the <Context= was the national and international scientific production published in health science journals. Thus, the following research question was formulated: <What is available in the literature regarding the first thousand days of children with Down Syndrome in relation to their general and oral health?= Studies addressing any aspect of general and oral health in children with Down Syndrome, written in Portuguese or English and published in the last ten years, were included. The search was conducted in the Medline (PubMed) and SciELO databases. Grey literature was not consulted. Analysis of 32 studies revealed that the most recurrent themes were related to general health, with emphasis on congenital heart defects, respiratory disorders, delays in motor development, and endocrine and immune system alterations. Aspects such as breastfeeding and family support were also addressed, though with less depth. On the other hand, topics such as complementary feeding, sleep disorders, oral health, and emotional support at the time of diagnosis were found to be underexplored. The findings reinforce that the first thousand days represent a critical window for early and integrated interventions in Down Syndrome. However, significant gaps remain in specific areas of care, highlighting the need for increased scientific production and public policies that ensure qualified multidisciplinary support for children with Down Syndrome and their families during this crucial period.