Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in Down syndrome: a prospective cohort study.

Background And Objectives: Children with Down syndrome (DS) are at significant risk for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and related hospitalization. We compared hospitalization rates due to respiratory tract infection in children with DS aged <2 years who prospectively received palivizumab during the RSV season with a previously published, similar untreated DS birth cohort.

Methods: A total of 532 children with DS who prospectively received palivizumab were assembled from the prospective Canadian RSV Evaluation Study of Palivizumab registry between 2005 and 2012.

Decreased thymic output accounts for decreased naive T cell numbers in children with Down syndrome.

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have low numbers of naive T cells and abnormal thymus development and function. Because next to thymic production, peripheral proliferation greatly contributes to naive T cell generation in healthy children, we examined the cause of reduced naive T cell numbers in children with DS. Compared with aged matched controls, the total number of signal joint TCR excision circles (sjTREC) per ml blood was reduced in DS.

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.

Distinct abnormalities in the innate immune system of children with Down syndrome.

Objective: To analyze the frequency and phenotype of cells of the innate immune system in the peripheral blood of children with Down syndrome (DS).

Study Design: Flow cytometric analysis of expression of cell surface markers was performed in children with DS (n = 41) and healthy age-matched controls (n = 41).

Results: Compared with controls, children with DS had significantly lower absolute total leukocyte counts, lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes, but 1.

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.

Down syndrome: a novel risk factor for respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis--a prospective birth-cohort study.

Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus is the single-most important cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children. Preterm birth and congenital heart disease are known risk factors for severe respiratory syncytial virus infections. Although Down syndrome is associated with a high risk of respiratory tract infections, little is known about the incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infections in this group.

Efficacy of implantable loop recorders in establishing symptom-rhythm correlation in young patients with syncope and palpitations.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy of the recently introduced implantable loop recorder (ILR) in establishing symptom-rhythm correlation in young patients with syncope, near syncope, palpitations, and acute life-threatening events (ALTEs).

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with patients with ILR from 3 pediatric centers. Inclusion criteria were age View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Implantable loop recorders in pediatric practice.

Symptoms of syncope and palpitations are not uncommon in children with and without heart disease. They present a diagnostic dilemma when conventional cardiovascular testing is inconclusive. The implantable loop recorder (ILR) has been shown to play an important role in diagnosing recurrent syncope in adult patients.