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Cholelithiasis in Down's syndrome
E Toscano1, V Trivellini, G Andria
1Department of Paediatrics, "Federico II" University, Via S. Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy.
Insights
Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are rare in children, but children with Down syndrome have a higher prevalence. This study found 4.7% of children with Down syndrome had gallstones compared to 0.2% of controls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is infrequently diagnosed in pediatric populations.
- Down syndrome is associated with various health complications, but gallstone prevalence is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of cholelithiasis in children with Down syndrome.
- To compare gallstone rates in children with Down syndrome against a control group.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, controlled study design was employed.
- Participants included children with Down syndrome and age-matched controls.
- Gallstone presence was assessed through diagnostic imaging.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of cholelithiasis was observed in children with Down syndrome (4.7%).
- The control group exhibited a low prevalence of cholelithiasis (0.2%).
- The difference in prevalence between the groups was statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Children with Down syndrome have a substantially increased risk of developing gallstones.
- Healthcare providers should consider gallstone screening in pediatric patients with Down syndrome.
- Further research into the mechanisms underlying gallstone formation in this population is warranted.
Abstract:
Cholelithiasis is considered uncommon in infancy, childhood, and adolescence. We performed a prospective, controlled study showing that children with Down's syndrome have a significantly higher prevalence of cholelithiasis (4.7%) compared with controls (0.2%). Clinicians should be aware of the risk of gallstones in children with Down's syndrome.