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 studyʼs 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.