Professional paper

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DOWN SYNDROME IN TUZLA CANTON, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Fahrija Skokić ; Division of Neonatology, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Hospital Center, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Amela Selimović ; Division of Neonatology, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Hospital Center, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Aida Mršić ; Division of Neonatology, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Hospital Center, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Clinical characteristics of Down's syndrome (DS) are mental retardation, craniofacial dismorfy and numerous animalies of various organs and body systems. The aim of study was to present epidemiology and clinical characteristics of DS in Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Material and methods. The study was prospective, during ten years we followed up prevalence of children with Down syndrome in Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Tuzla. The diagnosis of DS was confirmed according to clinical characteristics and cytogenetic analysis from peripheral blood. Results. The prevalence of DS was 1,77/1000 live births, and frequency was 1:564 live births. Out of 104 newborns with Down syndrome, 62 (59,61%) newborns were term delivered and 42 (40,38%) were preterm; the mean gestational age was 37,38±1,27 weeks, the mean birth weight 2710,90±549,68 grams. Male to female ratio was 2,3:1 (p<0,001). 84,6% mothers of children with DS were less than 36 years old. Relative risk for delivering child with DS was high among mothers younger than 18 years, it significantly decreases with rising of maternal age until the age of 45, when relative risk increases again. Down's syndrome is more frequent during winter period (January and February) and less frequent during June, July and August. Minor anomalies were found in different combinations, whereas major anomalies were found in 57 children (54,80%). Conclusion. The prevalence of Down syndrome in Tuzla Canton is high. It is more frequent among male and term newborns with lower birth weight; it’s distribution and relative risk are higher among adolescent mothers and in winter months. Clinical signs are typical and it is almost impossible to make mistake in diagnosing.

Keywords

Down syndrome; prevalence

Hrčak ID:

23516

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/23516

Publication date:

1.12.2007.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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