Relationship between growth and intelligence quotient in children with Down syndrome

Abstract

Background: The relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and somatic development, especially growth, has been demonstrated in various groups of children. Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by short stature, overweight, and cognitive impairment. The objective of our work was to assess whether anthropometric measurements [weight, height, body mass index (BMI)] of children with DS correlate with their IQ. The results of the study may be valuable for this population in the light of increasing access to growth hormone therapy (GHT) in various genetic syndromes with short stature. Based on previous studies on children, we hypothesized that a link exists between IQ and somatic development, particularly growth.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 children with DS, who were aged 9-18 years. The studied population was selected from the registry of the Genetic Clinic at the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk (Poland). Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were taken for all the children, and their BMI was determined using these data. The obtained results were plotted on charts for children with DS. The IQ of the children was assessed using the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition. The correlations between IQ and anthropometric data were analyzed using univariate correlation and multiple regression analyses. Results:The results showed that full-scale, verbal, and nonverbal IQ correlated with height percentile (P=0.03, P=0.02, and P=0.04, respectively), but not with weight (P=0. 26, P=0.19, and P=0.61, respectively) or BMI (P=0.6, P=0.5, and P=0.72, respectively). In multiple linear regression analysis, height percentile remained as an independent determinant of the IQ results after adjusting for birth weight, hypothyroidism with L-thyroxine replacement therapy, and congenital cardiac defect (β=0.48, P=0.018). Conclusions:The results of our study suggest an association between growth and IQ in children with DS. The presented findings may be valuable for improving access to GHT for populations with genetic syndromes characterized by short stature. However, these should be confirmed by further research with a longitudinal sample of children with DS.

Correlating MRI‐based brain volumetry and cognitive assessment in people with Down syndrome

“…A study by Kłosowska et al. (2022) suggested that the height percentile of children with DS correlates with their IQ. These observations may be valuable in expanding our understanding of the cognitive function of people with DS when correlating growth parameters, such as height, to the imaging, and IQ test results in our analysis.…”

“…Hippocampal subregions (dentate gyrus, Ammon's horn, and subiculum) are crucial to understanding the role of hippocampal formation and its association with the memory domain. A study by Kłosowska et al (2022) suggested that the height percentile of children with DS correlates with their IQ.…”

Brain metabolic profile assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in ‎‎children with Down syndrome: Relation to intelligence quotient

“…The intelligence quotient (IQ) is critical in assessing the neurological and cognitive development of children with DS. It may also reflect their physical and somatic growth, as documented by Kłosowska et al [ 14 ]. Therefore, establishing a connection between the brain's metabolic profiles and IQ in children with DS could provide insights into the underlying reasons for this relationship and aid in developing strategies to improve their IQ.…”

Unraveling Down Syndrome: From Genetic Anomaly to Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Diagnosis

“…Comorbidities associated with Down syndrome further contribute to the complexity of providing comprehensive care to this population [23][24][25]. Cognitive impairment in individuals with Down syndrome can range from mild (with an IQ between 50 and 70) to moderate (with an IQ between 35 and 50), and occasionally, it can be severe (with an IQ between 20 and 35) [26,27]. Additionally, individuals with Down syndrome face a significant risk of experiencing hearing loss (75%), obstructive sleep apnea (50% to 79%), otitis media (50% to 70%), eye-related issues (60%) including cataracts (15%) and severe refractive errors (50%), congenital heart defects (50%), neurological dysfunction (ranging from 1% to 13%), gastrointestinal atresias (12%), hip dislocation (6%), and thyroid disorders (ranging from 4% to 18%) (Table 1) [28].…”