Clinical Abnormalities, Intervention Program, and School Attendance of Down Syndrome Children in Southern Thailand
Somchit Jaruratanasirikul MD*, Somkiat Soponthammarak MD*, Prasin Chanvitan MD*, Pornprot Limprasert MD**, Hutcha Sriplung MD***, Wipawan Leelasamran MD****, Seesuda Winothai MD*****
Affiliation : * Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University ** Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University *** Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University **** Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University ***** Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
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.
Materials and Methods : 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 syn-
drome 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.
Keywords : Down syndrome
