Down Syndrome patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: A high-risk category for unfavourable outcome

Int J Infect Dis. 2021 Feb:103:607-610. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.11.188. Epub 2020 Nov 30.

Abstract

We report two cases of Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) in patients with Down Syndrome (DS) and describe the identification, diagnosis, clinical course and management of the infection. Down Syndrome, which is caused by trisomy 21, is characterized by immune dysregulation, anatomical differences in the upper respiratory tract and higher rate of comorbidities. All these risk factors can contribute to more severe clinical presentations of COVID-19 in this population. It is essential to raise awareness of the clinical relevance of SARS-COV-2 infection in DS patients, as well as in other most vulnerable patients, in order to improve their management and treatment and to encourage vaccinating these individuals early, once a vaccination is available.

Keywords: COVID-19 pneumonia; Down syndrome; Immune activation; Immune dysregulation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19 / etiology*
  • Down Syndrome / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2*