complications
Last edited 04/2021 and last reviewed 04/2021
In addition to the features mentioned under clinical features and associations, there are a number of conditions which can develop in later life, including:
- recurrent upper respiratory tract infection
- hypothyroidism (2)
- patients with Down's syndrome have a higher prevalence ofautoimmune thyroid disease compared with the general population,with thyroid autoantibodies being found in 13-34% of patients with Down's syndrome
- patients may develop hypothyroidism inchildhood or adulthood. Check TSH annually in adult patients with Down's syndrom
- acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- the risk of solid tumours is reduced
Reference:
- 1) Hasle, H, Clemmensen, IH, Mikkelsen, M. (2000). Risks of leukaemia and solid tumours in individuals with Down's syndrome. Lancet, 355, 165-9.
- 2) Siskind SM et al. Investigating hypothyroidism. BMJ2021;373:n993http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n993