INCIDENCE OF DOWN'S SYNDROME AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AT MCH, BURAYDAH, QASSIM REIGON K.S.A.

Dr. Sarah Ali* and Maha Nasser Al Henaki

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Down syndrome (DS), a congenital condition caused by trisomy of human chromosome 21 is the most frequent chromosomal abnormality in live births associated with mental retardation and congenital heart defect. Worldwide screening strategies, introduced, has helped infants with Down syndrome, have high survival, and better care especially of cardiovascular malformalformation. (Epstein et al., 2001). Methodology: It was a retrospective observational study using a Cross-sectional design, carried out from January- June 2013. The cross sectional study was conducted at the Maternal and Child Hospital (MCH) in Buraydah Qassim, K.S.A. Data was abstracted from medical records of neonatal babies born, during the period of January to December 2012, using the consecutive sampling method. For each down syndrome case, two normal control cases were randomly selected, within the ascertained period January to December 2012. Results: Total number of babies ( mothers), enrolled in the study were, 33. The number neonates having Down Syndrome was 11, while number of normal controls was 22. Mean ages of mothers of down syndrome was of 33.6 years versus 29.3 years for mothers of normal children (P = .129) and 63% (n = 7) ≥36 years). Analysis of the demographic factor, previous exposure to radiation, showed a mean ± SD 1. 9091±.30151, with a significant( p value = 003*). Analysis of mothers, who had diabetes showed a mean ± SD 1.6364±.50452, with a (p value=.001*), which was significant. Conclusion: The Incidence of Down syndrome (DS) in Maternal & Child Hospital (MCH) in Buraidah, Al Qassim, during the period of January 2012 – December 2012, was 11 per 10,000 deliveries. The most common maternal demographic factors, found to be associated with Down Syndrome( DS) were increased maternal age and increased occurrences of Down Syndrome, Association of Diabetic mother's with Down Syndrome, and Association of maternal exposure to radiation with Down Syndrome. Neonatal demographic factors, did not show any significant association of low birth weight, sex of child, or other demographic factors studied. The only comparative association, was of a lower Total Apgar score.

Keywords: Down Syndrome (DS), Maternal & Child Hospital (MCH).