Bronchoscopic Findings in Down Syndrome Children with Respiratory Problems
Jetanachai Pravit MD*
Affiliation : * Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Heath, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Down syndrome (DS) can affect the upper and lower respiratory tract in a number of ways and disorders of
other systems can impact upon respiratory function, giving rise to a wide variety of respiratory manifestations.
Objective : To investigate the frequency, associated conditions, and type of airway anomalies in DS children with respiratory
problems.
Material and Method: Twenty-nine children with DS were evaluated for airway anomalies, with indications of atelectasis,
stridor, and recurrent or persistent pneumonia, using flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB). The children were assessed
retrospectively.
Results : Results showed high frequency of associated conditions, which was found in 19 children. The most common
associated condition was congenital heart disease. Other associated conditions were hypothyroid and duodenal atresia.
Endoscopic findings showed several airways anomalies, including laryngomalacia, tracheal bronchus, and subglottic stenosis.
Three patients had multiple airway anomalies and three had normal endoscopic findings.
Conclusion : DS children with respiratory problems have high frequency of airway anomalies and FB, which is a useful
diagnostic procedure. A thorough understanding of the airway anomalies will aid in the evaluation and management of DS
children with respiratory problems.
Keywords : Down syndrome, Bronchoscopy, Airway anomalies
