Impact of Congenital Heart Disease on Growth and Iron Deficiency in Down Syndrome Children

Abstract

own syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in humans (Malt et al., 2013). It is a genetic disorder that was described by John Langdon Down more than a century ago. The disease is characterized by the presence of an extra chromosome that alters motor, physical and intellectual development. It is one of the most frequent causes of intellectual disability (Gorla et al., 2011). Sixty four percent of cases with DS have at least one major associated congenital anomaly; cardiac anomalies are the most common type represents (44%) of all congenital anomalies (Stoll et al., 2015). The cardiac defects are commonly single, but they can be multiple as well (Elmagrpy et al., 2011). It is known that growth velocity of children with DS decelerates markedly between 6 months to 3 years and at puberty (Myrelid et al., 2002). They have different growth patterns compared to children without DS. They present with a growth deficit that starts during the prenatal period and extends into adult life (Afifi et al., 2012). Abnormal bone development is the most common feature and is hypothesized to be regulated by genetic factors (Blazek et al., 2015). Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and an important public health problem especially in developing countries. IDA is associated with cognitive impairment, and children with DS are particularly vulnerable population for neurocognitive deficits. (Baker and Greer, 2010).