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Dermatological manifestations of 71 Down syndrome children admitted to a clinical genetics unit
Insights
Children with Down syndrome (DS) show various skin conditions, with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis being most common. Vitamin A levels were normal, ruling out deficiency as a cause for this specific skin finding in DS patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder associated with various health issues.
- Skin manifestations are common in children with DS, but their prevalence and specific types require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of specific skin disorders in children with Down syndrome.
- To evaluate serum vitamin A levels in children with Down syndrome, particularly those with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, to assess potential nutritional deficiencies.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive series of 71 children with Down syndrome admitted to a pediatric genetics department were examined for skin conditions.
- Prevalence of conditions like palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, xerosis, seborrheic dermatitis, and tongue abnormalities were recorded.
- Serum vitamin A levels were measured and compared between children with Down syndrome and a control group.
Main Results:
- The most common skin finding was palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (40.8%), followed by seborrheic dermatitis (30.9%).
- Other observed conditions included xerosis, fissured tongue, geographic tongue, and cutis marmorata.
- No statistically significant difference in serum vitamin A levels was found between children with Down syndrome and the control group.
Conclusions:
- Children with Down syndrome exhibit a range of dermatological findings, with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and seborrheic dermatitis being prevalent.
- Vitamin A deficiency is unlikely to be the cause of palmoplantar hyperkeratosis in this population.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiology of these skin conditions in Down syndrome.
Abstract:
Seventy-one children with Down syndrome who were admitted consecutively to Hacettepe University Children's Hospital Genetics department were examined for skin disorders. None of the patients suffered directly from skin disorders. All were living with their families and had approximately similar living conditions. There were 29 children with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (40.8%), seven with xerosis (9.8%), 22 with seborrheic dermatitis (30.9%), 14 with fissured tongue (20%), eight with geographic tongue (11.2%), and nine with cutis marmorata (12.6%). Nine had normal skin findings. Since palmoplantar hyperkeratosis may be a result of vitamin A deficiency, the serum vitamin A levels of these patients were evaluated. There was no statistical difference between vitamin A levels of the children with Down syndrome and the control group.