An overview of respiratory problems in children with Down's syndrome

Abstract

Respiratory disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children with Down's syndrome (DS). Causes range from those problems common to many children with DS, such as a narrow airway or impaired immunity, to rare structural lesions, such as tracheal bronchus. Additionally, other organ systems or extrinsic factors may play a role. A thorough understanding of the range of potential problems will aid in the evaluation and management of children with DS and respiratory symptoms.

What people with Down Syndrome can teach us about cardiopulmonary disease

“…Respiratory disease accounts for 43-78% of intensive care unit admissions, and 50% of those required ventilation support [12,36,37]. Respiratory illness is second only to CHD in mortality of individuals with Down syndrome at any age [38].…”

“…Thyroid-related cardiac dysfunction is common in Down syndrome [10]. Lung disease accounts for 54% of hospital admissions in Down syndrome [11], and average length of admission is two to three times longer than in individuals without the syndrome [12]. For persons with Down syndrome aged <3 years, respiratory illnesses are the most common cause of hospital admissions [12].…”

“…Lung disease accounts for 54% of hospital admissions in Down syndrome [11], and average length of admission is two to three times longer than in individuals without the syndrome [12]. For persons with Down syndrome aged <3 years, respiratory illnesses are the most common cause of hospital admissions [12]. Persons with Down syndrome have increased frequency of respiratory tract infection [13] and acute respiratory distress syndrome [14].…”

El niño con Síndrome de Down en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos

“…El niño con SD puede presentar una gran variedad de patología respiratoria 15 . De esta manera los pacientes con SD son más susceptibles a infecciones del tracto respiratorio inferior, principalmente neumonía, las que motivan su hospitalización en UCI 5,16 .…”

“…La existencia de hipertensión pulmonar (HP) puede ser de naturaleza primaria 28 o secundaria a la existencia de cardiopatía o hipoxia (apneas obstructivas del sueño, daño pulmonar crónico). Dentro de los mecanismos asociados, se atribuye un rol a la alteración del desarrollo de la vasculatura, polimorfismo genéti-co que afectaría la producción de óxido nítrico y otros mediadores de la resistencia vascular pulmonar, entre otras causas 23,29,30 .…”