Epidemiology of leukemia in children with Down syndrome.
Studies suggest nearly a 20-fold increased risk of leukemia in individuals with Down syndrome. Most of this increased risk appears in the first few decades of life, with the highest incidence in children less than 5 years of age. It is unknown why children with Down syndrome are at such an increased risk of leukemia. With respect to environmental exposures, it will be important to investigate risk factors associated with childhood leukemia in general (including diagnostic x-rays, pesticides, and other occupational exposures) as well as experiences common to children with Down syndrome (including routine medical screening tests, increased susceptibility to infections, and increased vitamin deficiencies).
Ross
Julie A
JA
Division of Pediatric Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. ross@epi.umn.edu
Spector
Logan G
LG
Robison
Leslie L
LL
Olshan
Andrew F
AF
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007938:Leukemia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors