Clinical abnormalities, intervention program, and school attendance of Down syndrome children in southern Thailand
Jaruratanasirikul, S.; Soponthammarak, S.; Chanvitan, P.; Limprasert, P.; Sriplung, H.; Leelasamran, W.; Winothai, S.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 87(10): 1199-1204
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 15560698 Document Number: 2164
Background : Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality with an incidence of 1: 700 livebirths. In southern Thailand, most Down syndrome patients are referred to Songklanagarind Hospital for surgical, medical treatment and/or stimulation intervention. Objective : To study the clinical features and school attendance of Down syndrome children. Material and Method : A total of 295 Down syndrome children attended Songklanagarind Hospital. The clinical features of Down syndrome, percentage of children receiving the stimulation intervention program, and attending school were studied. Results : Congenital heart disease was found in 38.6%, gastrointestinal anomalies 16.9%, hematologic malignancy 6.1%, and thyroid disorders 11.4%. The mortality rate of Down syndrome children was 13.2%. Most children (65.6%) received the early stimulation, but only 38.9% attended the speech intervention program within the first 2 years of life. Of the total 109 Down syndrome children aged over 5 years that are still being followed, only 74 (67.9%) attended school. The school attendance was correlated with the family income, but not correlated with the level of maternal or paternal education. Conclusion : Congenital heart disease and gastrointestinal anomalies are commonly found in Down syndrome children. Most children received an early intervention program, but only 38.9% received speech intervention. In children aged > 5 years, only 68% attended school, and school attendance was correlated with the family income.
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