Different immunological patterns of Down syndrome patients with and without recurrent infections.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) exhibit a higher susceptibility to infections, suggesting potential immunological alterations within this population. Consequently, this study aims to assess the immune response profile in children with DS to identify potential immune dysfunctions associated with recurrent infections. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis involving 49 DS patients, examining various epidemiological, clinical, cytogenetic, and laboratory variables. The study's sample comprised patients aged 2-20 years, with a predominance of males. These patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of recurrent infections, as indicated by the Jeffrey Modell Foundation alert signs. RESULTS: Immunoglobulin (Ig) A, G, and M levels were deemed normal, although individuals with DS experiencing recurrent infections exhibited significantly lower IgA levels. Additionally, CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD19 lymphocyte counts were found to be within normal ranges, with no significant differences between the two groups. While overall data indicated normal seroconversion levels of pneumococcal polysaccharide antibodies, a notable impairment in seroconversion was observed among DS patients with recurrent infections compared to those without such infections. CONCLUSION: The deficiency of anti-polysaccharide antibodies in individuals with DS may constitute an important immunological comorbidity. Therefore, it warrants further investigation, particularly among individuals with recurrent infections.

Relação entre lordose lombar e depósito de gordura abdominal em adolescentes e adultos jovens / Relationship between lumbar lordosis and abdominal fat deposit in teens and young adults

Analisar a relação entre o depósito de gordura abdominal e a hiperlordose lombar em adolescentes e adultos jovens do sexo masculino. Os participantes foram submetidos a avaliação antropométrica, análise postural da curvatura da coluna lombar, e exame ultrassonográfico para determinação da gordura abdominal. As médias da circunferência abdominal e da quantidade de gordura visceral foram maiores no GHL (Grupo Hiperlordose) do que no GL (Grupo Lordose). Porém, em relação à gordura subcutânea não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. No GHL foi observado que quanto maior a circunferência abdominal e a gordura visceral, maior a profundidade da coluna lombar.(AU)

The present study focused on the analysis of the relation between abdominal fat deposition and the incidence of low back pain (lumbar hyperlordosis) in adolescents and young adult males. Participants have been submitted to an anthropometric evaluation, a postural analysis of the lumbar spinal curvature and an ultrasonography examination in order to assess the abdominal fat. The averages of the waist circumference and the amount of visceral fat were higher in GHL (Group hyperlordosis). Furthermore, in GHL was also observed that the higher the abdominal circumference and visceral fat, the greater the depth of the lumbar spine.(AU)