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[Anthropometric study on Down syndrome in Taiwan]
1Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, R.O.C.
Insights
Chinese children with Down syndrome are shorter than their peers but have similar weight. This study provides growth charts for monitoring their development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Anthropometry
Context:
- Previous anthropometric studies on Down syndrome were primarily conducted in non-Chinese populations.
- There was a need for specific growth data for Chinese children with Down syndrome.
Purpose:
- To establish anthropometric reference data (height and weight) for ethnic Chinese children with Down syndrome.
- To compare the growth patterns of Chinese children with Down syndrome to normal children.
Summary:
- Data from 496 Chinese children with Down syndrome in Taiwan were analyzed, including 1624 height and 1208 weight measurements.
- Ethnic Chinese children with Down syndrome were found to be significantly shorter than normal children.
- Mean weight did not significantly differ from normal children; centile charts for stature and weight assessment are provided.
Impact:
- Provides essential growth charts for clinical assessment and monitoring of Chinese children with Down syndrome.
- Contributes to a better understanding of the anthropometric characteristics of this population.
- Facilitates early identification of growth deviations and timely intervention.
Abstract:
Anthropometric studies of Down syndrome in foreign children had been reported. To have similar information for Chinese children with Down syndrome, data based on 1624 measurements of height and 1208 measurements of weight were done on 496 children who took part in a collaborative study done via several hospitals and institutions in Taiwan. Height and weight were measured using standard methods. Additional data about these children were also solicited from hospital and school records to obtain semilongitudinal data which were then analyzed with SAS PC software. Descriptive statistics and percentiles were estimated using flexible mathematical functions. Results showed that ethnic Chinese children with Down syndrome were significantly shorter than normal children. Mean weight, however, was not significantly different from normal children. Centile charts for assessment of stature and weight are also presented.