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Mucocutaneous findings in 100 children with Down syndrome
Maryam Daneshpazhooh1, T Mohammad-Javad Nazemi, Leyla Bigdeloo
1Department of Dermatology, RAZI Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. maryamdanesh@yahoo.com
Insights
This study examined mucocutaneous findings in 100 children with Down syndrome (DS). The most common findings included tongue abnormalities and premature graying, highlighting the need for physician awareness of skin manifestations in DS.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is a common chromosomal abnormality impacting multiple organs, including the skin.
- Mucocutaneous manifestations are frequently observed in individuals with DS.
- Understanding these findings is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of mucocutaneous findings in children with Down syndrome.
- To document common skin and mucosal lesions associated with DS.
- To increase physician awareness of dermatological aspects in DS.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 100 children diagnosed with Down syndrome.
- Participants aged 3-20 years were recruited from educational and rehabilitation centers in Iran.
- Clinical examination focused on identifying and documenting skin and mucosal lesions.
Main Results:
- Mucocutaneous findings were present in 61% of the participants.
- The most frequent findings included fissured tongue (28%), papillary hypertrophy (22%), and premature graying (14%).
- Other notable findings were cheilitis (13%), xerosis (12%), and alopecia areata (11%).
Conclusions:
- Children with Down syndrome frequently exhibit specific mucocutaneous findings, notably tongue abnormalities and premature graying.
- The absence of atopic dermatitis and infections may be linked to improved hygiene and care.
- Increased physician awareness of these dermatological signs is essential for managing individuals with Down syndrome.
Abstract:
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality affecting numerous organs, including the skin. Our aim was to study mucocutaneous findings in this syndrome. To do so, 100 children with Down syndrome attending Schools for Children with Special Educational Needs and centers affiliated to the Welfare and Rehabilitation Organization in two provinces of Iran were thoroughly examined for skin and mucosal lesions. Their mean age was 11.2 years (3-20 years). Mucocutaneous findings were noted in 61. These were as follows (in decreasing order)--fissured tongue 28%, hypertrophy of tongue papilla 22%, premature graying 14%, cheilitis 13%, xerosis 12%, alopecia areata 11%, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis 10%, syringoma 6%, keratosis pilaris 4%, geographic tongue 4%, trichotillomania 4%, vitiligo 3%, seborrheic dermatitis 3%, livedo reticularis 2%. No instances of atopic dermatitis or skin infections and infestations were noted. The lack of atopic dermatitis in our series was in concordance with its low prevalence reported in recent articles. Improved hygiene due to patient care at home may underlie the absence of infections. With the increasing survival rate of those with Down syndrome, physicians should be more aware of the skin findings seen so frequently in this genetic disorder.
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