A cytogenetic register of down syndrome in Lebanon.
OBJECTIVE
To provide data on the cytogenetics and epidemiology of Down syndrome in our community.


METHODS
All cases of Down syndrome diagnosed cytogenetically were entered over a period of 5 years together with data regarding age at referral, parental ages and parity.


RESULTS
A total of 280 cases were entered. In postnatal cases, the mean maternal age was 32.19 years and 41.5% of mothers were over 35 years. Only 47.3% of Down syndrome children were diagnosed at less than 1 month of age. The male to female sex ratio of 1.66 is significantly more elevated than that reported in larger registers.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of problems inherent to Lebanon, this register does not have a high level of ascertainment, however it appears that the emphasis in a potential prevention programme should be placed on education, information and family planning.
Zahed
L
L
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. lailaz@aub.edu.lb
Megarbane
A
A