Respiratory outcomes after cleft palate closure in Robin sequence: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of information about the possible risk factors that could identify patients with Robin sequence (RS) who are more prone to developing obstructive airway complications after palate closure. This study aimed to compare the respiratory complication rates in patients with RS and isolated cleft palate (ICP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 243 consecutive patients with RS and ICP who were treated at Amsterdam University Medical Centers over the past 25 years. We collected preoperative data on previous treatment, diagnostic findings, surgical technique, weight, and presence of congenital anomalies. RESULTS: During cleft palate closure, patients with RS were older (11.9 versus 10.1 months; p = 0.001) and had a lower gestational age than those with ICP (37.7 versus 38.5 weeks; p = 0.002). Patients with RS had more respiratory complications (17 versus 5%; p = 0.005), were more often non-electively admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) (13 versus 4.1%; p = 0.022), and had a longer hospital stay duration (3.7 versus 2.7 days; p = 0.011) than those with ICP. The identified risk factors for respiratory problems were a history of tongue-lip-adhesion (TLA) (p = 0.007) and a preoperative weight of < 8 kg (p = 0.015). Similar risk factors were identified for PICU admission (p = 0.015 and 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The possible risk factors for these outcomes were a low preoperative weight and history of TLA. Closer postoperative surveillance should be considered for patients with these risk factors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Identifying risk factors for respiratory complications could provide clinicians better insight into their patients and allows them to provide optimal care for their patients.

Cardiac anomalies in children with congenital duodenal obstruction: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac anomalies occur frequently in patients with congenital duodenal obstruction (DO). However, the exact occurrence and the type of associated anomalies remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to aggregate the available literatures on cardiac anomalies in patients with DO. METHODS: In July 2022, a search was performed in PubMed and Embase.com. Studies describing cardiac anomalies in patients with congenital DO were considered eligible. Primary outcome was the pooled percentage of cardiac anomalies in patients with DO. Secondary outcomes were the pooled percentages of the types of cardiac anomalies, type of DO, and trisomy 21. A meta-analysis was performed to pool the reported data. RESULTS: In total, 99 publications met our eligibility data, representing 6725 patients. The pooled percentage of cardiac anomalies was 29% (95% CI 0.26-0.32). The most common cardiac anomalies were persistent foramen ovale 35% (95% CI 0.20-0.54), ventricular septal defect 33% (95% CI 0.24-0.43), and atrial septal defect 33% (95% CI 0.26-0.41). The most prevalent type of obstruction was type 3 (complete atresias), with a pooled percentage of 54% (95% CI 0.48-0.60). The pooled percentage of Trisomy 21 in patients with DO was 28% (95% CI 0.26-0.31). CONCLUSION: This review shows cardiac anomalies are found in one-third of the patients with DO regardless of the presence of trisomy 21. Therefore, we recommend that patients with DO should receive preoperative cardiac screening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

A Comparison of Weight Gain Following Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis and Tongue-Lip Adhesion in the Treatment of Robin Sequence.

ABSTRACT: Obstructive respiratory stress and feeding difficulties in infants with Robin sequence (RS) may result in poor weight gain or loss. Following failure of conservative treatment, surgical options include mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and tongue-lip adhesion (TLA). Whilst both techniques have demonstrated to improve airway patency and feeding behavior, an advantage of either in restoring weight growth remains unknown. This study aimed to improve procedural selection by examining weight gain following MDO and TLA. A retrospective chart review was performed for 17 RS patients that had undergone MDO and 25 that had received TLA. The mean body weight in both groups was below the 50th population percentile at birth and fell further in the period before surgery. A mixed model analysis demonstrated that postoperative weight gain depended on the progression of time and preoperative weight. Conversely, biological sex, congenital comorbidities, method of feeding, the respective cleft team, and the type of surgery did not significantly influence the evolution of postoperative body weight. In conclusion, both MDO and TLA were able to restore weight growth in infants affected by RS, though a clear superiority of either technique could not be established.

Tongue Lip Adhesion in the Treatment of Robin Sequence: Respiratory, Feeding, and Surgical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Objective evaluation of the efficacy of tongue lip adhesion (TLA) in the management of Robin sequence (RS). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: The craniofacial database of Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was searched to identify infants with RS who underwent tong lip adhesion (TLA). Forty-one RS infants who underwent TLA from 1993 to 2016 were identified. INTERVENTIONS: TLA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The outcome measures were pre- and postoperative polysomnography results, nutritional status, weight gain, age at operation, hospital stay length, extubation time after TLA, and complications. RESULTS: Forty-one RS patients were included who had TLA at an average age of 26.6 days. In 16 cases a pre- and postoperative polysomnography was performed. In 13 of these cases (81.3%) improvement was observed, in 2 (12.5%) the results were inconclusive, and in 1 (6.3%) no improvement was seen. Patients were extubated after a mean of 2.2 days.The mean hospital stay was 40.2 days. Reintervention was needed in 7 patients because of a wound dehiscence. The mean age of TLA release was 9.7 months. At discharge, 9 (22%) children still needed total nutritional support for persistent feeding difficulties. The average growth from birth to adhesion release was 4.6 kg. CONCLUSION: This cohort demonstrates that TLA is a successful procedure in children with RS in terms of respiratory, feeding, and growth outcome. Only minor complications were seen in our cohort.

Increased production of interleukin-10 in children with Down syndrome upon ex vivo stimulation with Streptococcus pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: Children with Down syndrome (DS) have an increased susceptibility to infections, due to altered humoral and/or cellular immunity. The aim of the study was to determine the cytokine production in whole blood of children with DS upon stimulation with heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in comparison with their healthy siblings. METHODS: Whole blood of 61 children with DS and 57 of their healthy siblings was stimulated with 200 ng/ml LPS and 4 × 10(7) colony-forming units/ml S. pneumoniae during 6, 24, and 48 h. Concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, and IL-10 were determined at all time points. RESULTS: Children with DS show an increased IL-10 production upon stimulation with S. pneumoniae compared to their healthy siblings. At most time points, no significant differences were seen in cytokine production upon stimulation with LPS. CONCLUSION: Children with DS may be prone to a severe course of pneumococcal pneumonia, because of an increased anti-inflammatory response.

The Importance of Screening for Additional Anomalies in Patients with Anorectal Malformations: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: In children with anorectal malformations (ARM), additional anomalies can occur within the VACTERL-association. Routine screening is of great importance for early identification and potential treatment. However, uniformity in screening protocols is lacking and only small cohorts have been described in literature. The aim of this study was to assess and describe a unique large cohort of ARM patients who underwent VACTERL screening in the neonatal period. METHODS: A retrospective mono-center cohort study was performed. Included were all neonates born between January 2000 and December 2020 who were diagnosed with ARM and screened for additional anomalies. Full screening consisted of x-ray and ultrasound of the spine, cardiac and renal ultrasound, and physical examination for limb deformities, esophageal atresia, and ARM. Criteria for VACTERL-classification were predefined according to the EUROCAT-definitions. RESULTS: In total, 216 patients were included, of whom 167 (77.3%) underwent full VACTERL-screening (66% in 2000-2006 vs. 82% in 2007-2013 vs. 86% in 2014-2020). Median age at follow-up was 7.0 years (IQR 3.0-12.8). In 103/167 patients (61.7%), additional anomalies were identified. Some 35/216 patients (16.2%) fulfilled the criteria of a form of VACTERL-association. In 37/216 patients (17.1%), a genetic cause or syndrome was found. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of ARM patients underwent full screening to detect additional anomalies (77%), which improved over time to 86%. Yet, approximately a quarter of patients was not screened, with the potential of missing important additional anomalies that might have severe consequences in the future. Forms of VACTERL-association or genetic causes were found in 16% and 17% respectively. This study emphasizes the importance of routine screening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Additional Anomalies in Children with Gastroschisis and Omphalocele: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Congenital abdominal wall defects might be associated with other anomalies, such as atresia in gastroschisis and cardiac anomalies in omphalocele patients. However, in the current literature, an overview of these additional anomalies and potential patient-specific risk factors is missing. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prevalence of associated anomalies and their patient-specific risk factors in patients with gastroschisis and omphalocele. METHODS: A mono-center retrospective cohort study between 1997 and 2023 was performed. Outcomes were the presence of any additional anomalies. Risk factors were analyzed via logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 122 patients were included, of whom 82 (67.2%) had gastroschisis, and 40 (32.8%) had omphalocele. Additional anomalies were identified in 26 gastroschisis patients (31.7%) and in 27 omphalocele patients (67.5%). In patients with gastroschisis, intestinal anomalies were most identified (n = 13, 15.9%), whereas, in patients with omphalocele, cardiac anomalies were most identified (n = 15, 37.5%). Logistic regression showed that cardiac anomalies were associated with complex gastroschisis (OR: 8.5; CI-95%: 1.4-49.5). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with gastroschisis and omphalocele, intestinal and cardiac anomalies were most identified, respectively. Cardiac anomalies were found to be a risk factor for patients with complex gastroschisis. Therefore, regardless of the type of gastroschisis and/or omphalocele, postnatal cardiac screening remains important.

Increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production in Down Syndrome children upon stimulation with live influenza A virus.

PURPOSE: Children with down syndrome (DS) have an increased susceptibility to infections, due to altered humoral and/or cellular immunity. The aim of this study was to determine the cytokine production in whole blood of children with DS upon stimulation with live influenza A virus. METHODS: Whole blood of 61 children with DS and 57 of their healthy siblings was stimulated with 2.5 × 10(4) TCID50/ml influenza A virus during 6, 24, and 48 h. TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IFN-α, IFN-γ concentrations, and viral load were measured at all time points. RESULTS: At most of the time points, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 concentrations were significantly higher in children with DS following stimulation with live influenza A virus. IFN-α and IFN-γ levels were also significantly higher in the DS group. Viral clearance, however, was equal in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Children with DS have an altered immune response to influenza A virus. The production of higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines may be responsible for a more severe clinical course of viral disease in these children.

Testicular volume and testicular microlithiasis in boys with Down syndrome.

PURPOSE: Studies have suggested that testicular microlithiasis and Down syndrome are linked, yet a correlation remains unclear. We investigated the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis in patients with Down syndrome. We hypothesized that testicular microlithiasis is present at a higher rate in these patients. We further hypothesized that patients with Down syndrome have lower testicular volumes than normal age matched boys. We tested our hypothesis by ultrasound investigation in boys 0 to 18 years old with Down syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Testicular ultrasound was performed in 79 boys with Down syndrome. Mean patient age was 8.8 years (range 0.4 to 18.3). Testicular microlithiasis was assessed and testicular volume was measured according to the formula, π/6 × length × width × height. RESULTS: Testicular microlithiasis was present in 18 boys (22.8%). It was diagnosed in 6 of 28 boys younger than 7 years (21.4%), in 6 of 28 boys 7 to 12 years (21.4%) and in 6 of 23 boys 12 years or older (26.1%). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis between these 3 groups. Mean testicular volumes in patients with Down syndrome (2.19 ml) were significantly smaller than the normative values. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a 22.8% prevalence of testicular microlithiasis in boys with Down syndrome, which is significantly increased compared to normative values. In addition, testis volume is significantly smaller in boys with Down syndrome compared to normative values.

Frequency of lower respiratory tract infections in relation to adaptive immunity in children with Down syndrome compared to their healthy siblings.

AIM: Children with Down syndrome (DS) experience respiratory tract infections (RTIs) more frequently than healthy children. We investigated whether this is related to different immunological characteristics associated with DS. METHODS: The study group consisted of 22 children with DS and 22 of their healthy, age-range matched siblings. Data were collected on infections and hospitalizations because of lower RTIs. Immunoglobulin and IgG subclass levels in blood, as well as lymphocyte and T cell (subset) counts, were determined. RESULTS: The children with DS had a significantly higher frequency of lower RTIs and related hospitalization than their siblings. We also found significantly reduced IgG2 levels as well as significantly lower counts of total lymphocytes, CD4(+) T lymphocytes, CD4(+) invariant natural killer (iNKT) cells and regulatory T cells in the DS group. CONCLUSION: In children with DS, reduced levels of IgG2, total lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, iNKT cells and regulatory T cells might contribute to their higher susceptibility to lower RTIs.

The Incidence of Associated Anomalies in Children with Congenital Duodenal Obstruction-A Retrospective Cohort Study of 112 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal obstruction (DO) is a congenital anomaly that is highly associated with other anomalies, such as cardiac anomalies and trisomy 21. However, an overview of additional anomalies and patient-specific risk factors for cardiac anomalies is lacking. Potential association with the vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, trachea-esophageal, renal and limb anomalies (VACTERL) spectrum remains unknown. Therefore, we aim to examine the incidence of associated anomalies, a VACTERL-spectrum association and patient-specific risk factors for cardiac anomalies in patients with DO. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed between 1996 and 2021. Outcomes were the presence of any additional anomalies. Risk factors for cardiac anomalies were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 112 neonates with DO, 47% (N = 53/112) had one associated anomaly and 38% (N = 20/53) had multiple anomalies. Cardiac anomalies (N = 35/112) and trisomy 21 (N = 35/112) were present in 31%. In four patients, VACTERL-spectrum was discovered, all with cardiac anomalies. Trisomy 21 was found to be a risk factor for cardiac anomalies (OR:6.5; CI-95%2.6-16.1). CONCLUSION: Associated anomalies were present in half of patients with DO, of which cardiac anomalies and trisomy 21 occurred most often, and the VACTERL-spectrum was present in four patients. Trisomy 21 was a significant risk factor for cardiac anomalies. Therefore, we recommend a preoperative echocardiogram in patients with DO. In case a cardiac anomaly is found without trisomy 21, VACTERL-screening should be performed.

Recurrent wheeze in children with Down syndrome: is it asthma?

AIM: To compare the prevalence of current wheeze in children with Down syndrome (DS), their siblings, and nonrelated population controls. METHODS: This was a case-control study in which the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood questionnaire for respiratory symptoms was completed by parents for 130 children with DS, 167 of their siblings, and for 119 age- and sex-matched control subjects from the general population. RESULTS: Both wheeze ever and wheeze during the last 12 months was more commonly reported in DS than in their siblings or controls. The relative risk (RR) of current wheeze in DS was 2.8 (95% CI, 1.42-5.51) compared with siblings, and 2.75 (95% CI, 1.28-5.88) compared with controls. A doctor's diagnosis of asthma was found in 3.1% in children with DS, in 4.2% in siblings and in 6.7% in controls. During 4-years follow-up, the diagnosis of asthma could not be confirmed in the 24 DS children with current wheeze, and atopy was found in none of them. CONCLUSION: Wheeze is common in children with DS. This is likely to be related to the factors specific for DS and probably unrelated to asthma.

Prevalence of congenital heart defects and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate with Down syndrome.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (PPHN) in children with Down syndrome (DS) and to assess its impact on neonatal factors. It was a prospective study of a birth cohort of children with DS born between 2003 and 2006 registered by the Dutch Paediatric Surveillance Unit (DPSU). A CHD occurred in 43% of 482 children with trisomy 21. Atrioventricular septal defect was found in 54%, ventricular septal defect in 33.3% and patent ductus arteriosus in 5.8%. The incidence of PPHN in DS was 5.2%, which is significantly higher than the general population (p < 0.001). The reported mortality in newborns with DS was overall 3.3% and was still significant higher in children with a CHD versus no CHD (5.8% versus 1.5%) (p = 0.008). The presence of CHD in children with DS had no influence on their birth weight, mean gestational age and Apgar score. In neonates with DS, we found not only a 43% prevalence of CHD, but also a high incidence of PPHN at 5.2%. Early recognition of the cardiac condition of neonates with DS seems justified.

Prospective human leukocyte antigen, endomysium immunoglobulin A antibodies, and transglutaminase antibodies testing for celiac disease in children with Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a prospective screening strategy for the early diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) in children with Down syndrome (DS). STUDY DESIGN: Blood samples were taken from 155 children with DS. Buccal swabs were also taken from 9 of these children for determination of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 positivity. Independently, immunoglobulin A anti-endomysium-(EMA) and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (TGA) were tested. An intestinal biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis of CD. RESULTS: Sixty-three children (40.6%) had test results that were positive for HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8. Results of HLA DQ-typing of DNA isolated from blood and buccal swabs were identical. Eight of the children in whom test results were positive for HLA-DQ2/8 also had positive test results for EMA and TGA. CD was confirmed in 7 of these children with an intestinal biopsy, and in 1 child, CD was suggested with improvement on a gluten-free diet. CONCLUSIONS: We found a prevalence of CD in children with DS of 5.2% (10 times higher than the general Dutch population). We recommend HLA-DQ2/8 typing from buccal swabs in the first year of life and initiating serologic screening of children with DS in whom test results are positive for HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 at age 3 years. Early knowledge of negative HLA-DQ2/8 status can reassure most parents that their children do not have a CD risk.

Prevalence, neonatal characteristics, and first-year mortality of Down syndrome: a national study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, neonatal characteristics, and first-year mortality in Down syndrome (DS) among children in The Netherlands. STUDY DESIGN: The number of DS births registered by the Dutch Paediatric Surveillance Unit (DPSU) in 2003 was compared with total live births (reference population) and perinatal registrations. RESULTS: The prevalence of DS was 16 per 10,000 live births. Compared with the reference population, the 182 children with trisomy 21 had a gestational age of 38 weeks versus 39.1 weeks (P < .001), a birth weight of 3119 g versus 3525 g in males (P < .001) and 2901 g versus 3389 g in females (P < .001), and mothers with a parity of > or = 4.17% versus 5% (P < .001) and a mean age of 33.6 years versus 31 years (P < .001) and 33% (n = 54) > or = 36 years). The mean age of DS diagnosis was 10.2 days in nonhospital deliveries and 1.8 days in hospital deliveries (P < .001). Children with DS were less often breast-fed (P < .05), and 86% (n = 156) were hospitalized after birth. Neonatal and infant mortality were higher in DS, 1.65% versus 0.36% (P < .02) and 4% versus 0.48% (P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DS in The Netherlands exceeds previously reported levels and is influenced by the mother's age. Neonatal and infant DS mortality have declined, but still exceed those in the reference population.

[Epstein-Barr virus infection with severe consequences. EBV, haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and Hodgkin lymphoma with Down syndrome]. / Een Epstein-Barr-virusinfectie met ernstige gevolgen. EBV, hemofagocytaire lymfohistiocytose en Hodgkin-lymfoom bij Down-syndroom.

BACKGROUND: Over 90% of the population is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Following primary infection, the virus remains latent in B-lymphocytes. In isolated cases, especially in immunocompromised patients, the Epstein-Barr virus can result in a chronic active infection (CAEBV). CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe an 11-year-old boy with Down syndrome who was admitted because of fever of unknown origin during several periods. Serological findings (high VCA-IgG and absent EBNA-IgG) were suggestive of CAEBV, which was confirmed by the high circulating EBV viral load. During admission the clinical picture worsened and our patient developed pancytopenia, which led us to diagnose concurrent haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and Hodgkin lymphoma. CONCLUSION: CAEBV is the result of deficiency in cellular immunity, which in this patient could possibly be attributed to deficiencies in the immune system associated with Down syndrome. CAEBV is difficult to treat, and it can come with life-threatening complications such as haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

[New insights into the support of children with Down syndrome]. / Nieuwe inzichten voor de begeleiding van kinderen met het syndroom van Down.

The prevalence of Down syndrome (DS) in the Netherlands is 14/10,000 live births; this is almost 1.5 times higher than during the 1980s and 90 s. In the Netherlands the uptake of prenatal screening is lower than in the rest of Europe and the percentage of pregnant women > 36 years has increased. The early diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart abnormalities means that mortality among DS children has fallen. Although their life expectancy has increased greatly, other comorbidities have come to the fore. Wheezing is reported in 1/3 of the children with DS; it seems unrelated to asthma and atopy. The percentage of mothers who start breastfeeding a child with Down syndrome is low (48%), despite the preventive effect on celiac disease and infections and its therapeutic value for speech and language development. Children with DS score lower on quality of life for the domains of lung and stomach problems, motor function and communication. Medical support and screening addressing specific comorbidities (heart, thyroid, lungs, hearing, vision) and special support for cognitive, motor and speech development in children with Down syndrome is worthwhile.

Increased risk of respiratory tract infections in children with Down syndrome: the consequence of an altered immune system.

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality among live-born infants. Respiratory tract infections are the most important cause of mortality in individuals with DS at all ages. In recent decades several studies have been performed to elucidate abnormalities of the immune system in DS. However, the influence of the immune system on the occurrence of respiratory tract infections in these children has never been reviewed.

High incidence of recurrent wheeze in children with down syndrome with and without previous respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is associated with the subsequent development of recurrent wheeze. In a recent study, we found a high incidence (9.9%) of hospitalization for RSV-induced LRTI among children with Down syndrome (DS), indicating DS as a new risk factor for RSV-induced LRTI. In the current study we aimed to investigate the development of long-term airway morbidity in children with DS after hospitalization for RSV-induced LRTI. METHODS: A combined retrospective cohort and prospective birth cohort of children with DS with a history of hospitalization for RSV-induced LRTI was studied (n = 53). Three control populations were included: children with DS without hospitalization for RSV-induced LRTI (n = 110), children without DS but with hospitalization for RSV-induced LRTI (n = 48), and healthy siblings of the previous 3 groups mentioned (n = 49). The primary outcome was physician-diagnosed wheeze up to 2 years of age. RESULTS: The incidence of physician-diagnosed recurrent wheeze in children with DS with a history of hospitalization for RSV-induced LRTI was 36%. Unexpectedly, up to 30% of children with DS without a history of RSV-induced LRTI had physician-diagnosed recurrent wheeze (no significant difference). In children without DS physician-diagnosed wheeze was found more frequently in children hospitalized for RSV-induced LRTI than healthy controls (31% vs. 8%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In this combined retrospective/prospective cohort study RSV-induced LRTI did not significantly contribute to the risk of recurrent wheeze in children with DS. An unexpected finding was that recurrent wheeze was very common among children with DS.