Correlation between Down's syndrome and malformations of pediatric surgical interest.
OBJECTIVE
This is a collaborative study carried out by Pediatric Surgeons of the "G.D'Annunzio" University and the Regional Association of Down Children of Abruzzo (Italy).


METHODS
Data were collected of malformations combined with Down Syndrome (DS) during a 10-year period in a population of defined age to look for a possible improvement of the patients' life conditions. Reportedly, 50% of these patients may reach an age of about 60 years.


RESULTS
One hundred twenty-seven DS subjects from this region were evaluated, 54% of whom had associated malformations (13% cardiac, 41% extracardiac, and 13% both). Seventeen patients of 53 underwent surgery for extracardiac malformations, with gastrointestinal malformations prevailing. The largest number of DS babies were born from mothers under 30 years of age; this is attributed to the largest birth rate and the least prevention at this age. Mothers older than 38 years gave birth to DS babies with the lowest rate of associated malformations.


CONCLUSIONS
The role of the pediatric surgeon in multidisciplinary assistance for DS patients is stressed.
Cattedra di Chirurgia Pediatrica and the Istituto di Genetica Medica, Università G.D'Annuzio di Pescara, Italy.
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Aquino
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Dòmini
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Rossi
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Sardella
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Palka
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Chiesa
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D004065:Digestive System Abnormalities; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life