Are patients with Down syndrome vulnerable to life-threatening COVID-19?

Abstract

Patients with Down syndrome are at increased risk of respiratory syncytial virus-and H1N1-related death. Literature on COVID-19 in Down syndrome patients is unavailable thus far. We describe the clinical course of 4 patients with Down syndrome during an outbreak of COVID-19. In all four patients, disease course was severe, warranting hospital care in three patients, with fatal outcome in one patient. Another patient receives supportive care in our institution. Our case series is the first report on probable increased risk of life-threatening disease course of COVID-19 in patients with Down syndrome. Proper surveillance, the adherence of social distancing, and the use of personal protective equipment will be essential in reducing morbidity and mortality in our patients.

Individuals with Down syndrome hospitalized with COVID-19 have more severe disease

“…A report of increased susceptibility to severe COVID-19 in individuals with DS in a health-care facility for intellectual disability is another example of why extra caution should be taken for these patients, especially in group homes. 19 In line with the fact that respiratory infections are a leading cause of death in DS, accounting for 34-40% of mortality, the increased severity of COVID-19 in DS is of importance. 4 In conclusion, our study highlights that particular attention should be paid to both the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in individuals with DS, as they are at higher risk of hospitalization-induced complications during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.…”

“…Infection with, severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can cause symptoms ranging from fever, cough, and fatigue to severe lung injury and death. This disease, termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19), has caused a global pandemic of historic proportions. Although there are over 200,000 individuals with Down syndrome (DS) in the United States alone, 1 it is unknown how SARS-CoV-2 affects people with DS.…”

Supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic from their own perspective

“…In the 52 documents retained after removing duplicates, there was a great variety of topics. For example, research analyzing the vulnerability of people with IDD to COVID-19 (e.g., Courtenay, 2020 ; Courtenay & Perera, 2020 ); guidelines created to improve care and supports for this group during the pandemic (e.g., Luckasson & Schalock, 2020 ); case studies (e.g., De Cauwer & Spaepen, 2020 ); epidemiological studies ( Landes et al, 2020 ; Turk et al, 2020 ); and studies analyzing the perception of parents of children with IDD about how the pandemic has affected the lives of their children (e.g., Esentürk, 2020 ). However, no publications were found that address how this social and health emergency has affected people with IDD from their own perspective.…”

COVID-19 and Children With Down Syndrome: is There Any Real Reason to Worry? Case Report

“…De Cauwer et al described the clinical course of 4 adults with DS during an outbreak of COVID-19. In all 4 patients, disease course was severe, warranting hospital care in 3 patients and resulting in a fatal outcome in one [16]. The rst case was a 60-year-old female with DS who was treated with oxygen and antibiotics (amoxicillin-clavulanate, initially, and meropenem, subsequently) with a favourable outcome.…”