Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Simulating Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Using a Neonatal Piglet Model
04:55

Author Spotlight: Simulating Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Using a Neonatal Piglet Model

Published on: May 26, 2023

1.4K

Increased complications in pediatric surgery are associated with comorbidities and not with Down syndrome itself

Marisa A Bartz-Kurycki1, Kathryn T Anderson1, Mary T Austin1

  • 1Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-based Practices (C-STEP), The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, Texas; Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.

The Journal of Surgical Research
|August 14, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Children with Down syndrome (DS) had more postoperative complications initially. However, DS is not an independent risk factor for complications when other health issues are considered.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Genetics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition frequently associated with comorbidities.
  • Physician perception suggests higher postoperative complication rates in DS patients, but evidence is limited.
  • This study investigates postoperative complications in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal and thoracic procedures, comparing those with and without DS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the incidence of postoperative complications in pediatric patients with and without Down syndrome.
  • To determine if Down syndrome is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications after abdominal and thoracic surgeries.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database (2012-2015).
  • Included pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing abdominal and noncardiac thoracic operations.
  • Compared complication rates between DS and non-DS groups using statistical analyses, including logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • 1.6% of 91,478 patients had Down syndrome, presenting with higher rates of nutritional support needs, developmental delay, and cardiac risk factors.
  • Overall postoperative complication rate was 11.1%, with higher incidence in DS patients (16.2% vs. 10.8%, P < 0.001).
  • Univariate analysis showed increased odds of complications in DS patients (OR 1.6), but this association disappeared after adjusting for covariates (aOR 0.86).

Conclusions:

  • While DS patients experienced a higher proportion of postoperative complications, DS itself was not an independent risk factor.
  • The elevated complication rate in DS patients is likely attributable to their significant comorbidities.
  • These findings highlight the importance of considering the overall health status of DS patients in surgical risk assessment.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenDown syndromeNSQIPOutcomesPediatric surgeryRisk factors

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia05:39

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia

Published on: May 26, 2023

2.4K
An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function09:40

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function

Published on: April 17, 2020

15.0K

Related Concept Videos

Increasing Function01:18

Increasing Function

An increasing function exhibits a rise in output values as input values increase. This behavior is depicted graphically as a curve or line that slopes upward from left to right. Such a function satisfies the condition that if x1 < x2, then f(x1) < f(x2), indicating that the function values grow with increasing inputs. This concept is fundamental in understanding growth trends across various domains, such as population dynamics, financial investments, or resource consumption.The...
397
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications01:24

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
865
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
882
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
2.4K
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
3.4K
Increased Body Temperature01:25

Increased Body Temperature

A body temperature above  38°C  (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in...
7.5K