Gastrointestinal disorders in Down syndrome

Abstract

Down syndrome is the most common human chromosomal disorder. Among clinical findings, one constant concern is the high prevalence of gastrointestinal system alterations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders at a Down syndrome outpatient clinic during a 10-year follow-up period. Data from medical files were retrospectively reviewed from 1,207 patients. Gastrointestinal changes occurred in 612 (50.7%). The most prevalent disorder was chronic intestinal constipation. Intestinal parasite occurred in 22% (mainly giardiasis), gastroesophageal reflux disease in 14%, digestive tract malformations occurred in 5%: 13 cases of duodenal atresia, 8 of imperforate anus, 4 annular pancreases, 2 congenital megacolon, 2 esophageal atresias, 2 esophageal compression by anomalous subclavian and 1 case of duodenal membrane. We had 38/1,207 (3.1%) patients with difficulty in sucking and only three with dysphagia that resolved before the second year of life. Peptic ulcer disease, celiac disease, and biliary lithiasis were less prevalent with 3% each. Awareness of the high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders promotes outstanding clinical follow-up as well as adequate development and greater quality of life for patients with Down syndrome and their families. K E Y W O R D S congenital malformation, Down syndrome, gastrointestinal diseases

Growth Patterns of Thai Children with Down Syndrome from Birth to 5 Years

“…Pharyngeal incoordination and/or gastroesophageal reflux disease are other concerning issues that have a direct effect on the physical growth of infants. Two participants (2.5%) in our study, compared with 14 to 23% in the other studies, 24,25 have these gastrointestinal issues, and their weight and length are at the 50th and the third percentile. Furthermore, Thai children with DS share some similarities and differences in growth patterns with those of other countries.…”

Seguimiento médico de los niños con síndrome de Down

“…Si hay vómito o ausencia de heces: descartar malformación gastrointestinal (atresia duodenal, malformación anorrectal, enfermedad de Hirschsprung). 17 7. Vigilar la alimentación para asegurar que la ingesta calórica sea la adecuada.…”

A case of late diagnosis of duodenal stenosis in an adolescent with Down syndrome

“…Among these, gastrointestinal malformations are described in 4 to 10% of patients. The most common are duodenal atresia or stenosis, annular pancreas, imperforate anus, esophageal atresia, congenital megacolon [1,2]. Usually, the duodenal stenosis or atresia symptoms and signs onset early, during prenatal or neonatal period.…”