Hematological Indices Abnormalities Among Sudanese Children With Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition caused by the triplication of chromosome 21. Currently, there is no available published data on hematological parameters among Sudanese children with Down syndrome. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these parameters among this population.

Blood samples were collected from children at Farouk Center and Al-Sababi Hospital in Khartoum State from July to December 2022. The samples were analyzed using a hematological analyzer, and the data were entered into a computer, examined, verified, and analyzed using the GraphPad Prism program.

No statistically significant differences were observed between patients and controls concerning age and gender (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found between the Down syndrome group and the control group in WBC, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and platelet count (p < 0.05). Differences were also observed in PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, PLCC, PLCR, and platelet count between the groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the international normalized ratio (INR), partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and prothrombin time (PT) (p > 0.05). There were positive statistically significant correlations of Hb (p < 0.001), and RDWS (p = 0.016) with age in the children with Down syndrome only.

The study showed that Down syndrome has a clear effect on certain blood parameters, including lower platelet levels and MCHC. A significant difference was observed between the Down syndrome group and the control group in complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation parameters. The study recommends conducting similar studies for further insights and improvements in understanding the hematological effects of Down syndrome.