Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Down syndrome (DS) cases presenting to the pediatric emergency department and to compare these with DS cases with clinical presentations for routine check-ups.
Method: DS patients presenting to the pediatric emergency department of a tertiary hospital between 01.10.2018 and 31.03.2019 (Group 1) and DS patients presenting for routine clinical check-ups (Group 2) were included in the study. Patients demographic data (age and gender), weight, height ad head circumference measurements, and data for general health were examined.
Results: Forty-one patients (13 girls, 28 boys) with a mean age of 50.24 ± 48.4 (1-163) months were enrolled in Group 1, and 49 cases (17 girls, 32 boys) with a mean age of 52.94 ± 50.1 (1-168) months in Group 2. Cases in Group had higher rates of heart disease (p:0.004), drug use for heart disease (p:0.038), thyroid disease (0.001), and drug use for thyroid disease (p:0.001) compared to Group 2, while engagement in sporting activity was significantly higher among Cases in Group 2 (p:0.32) than in Group 1. There was no difference between the groups in terms of anthropometric measurements.
Conclusion: DS cases presenting to the pediatric emergency department differ from DS cases presenting for routine check-ups in terms of general health status and accompanying diseases. Pediatric practitioners can be more knowledgeable about cases with Down syndrome who are admitted to the emergency department.
Key words: Down syndrome, Fever, Health, Pediatric Emergency Medicine
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