World Down Syndrome Day: Leukaemia In Children With Down Syndrome; How To Identify Symptoms Early On?

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World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed on 21 March, every year. The day was initiated in the year 2006, where 21 May, the 3rd month of the year was specifically selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

'With Us, Not For Us' is the theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2023. It is intended to convey that people with disabilities also have the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Leukaemia In Children

Associated with the white blood cells, leukaemia causes the body to produce large numbers of abnormal blood cells referred to as blasts. When the blasts are too numerous, the person develops leukaemia [1].

Children and teens are most likely to develop leukaemia. Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) accounts for almost one in three cases of childhood cancer. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) accounts for the majority of the remaining cases. Chronic leukaemia is rare in children.

Does Down Syndrome Have A Link To Leukaemia?

Down syndrome is one of the risk factors for leukaemia in children. For some time now, medical experts have been recognising an increased risk for certain conditions, such as hearing loss and heart disease, in children with Down syndrome [2].

According to research, children with Down syndrome are also at an increased risk of developing leukaemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Symptoms Of Leukaemia In Children With Down Syndrome

Generally, leukaemia symptoms are the same in children with and without Down syndrome. It is especially important for children with Down syndrome to be aware of these symptoms.

Signs of childhood leukaemia may include the following [3]:

• Easy bleeding and bruising
• Abdominal swelling
• Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
• Pale skin
• Appetite
• Cold sensitivity
• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever
• Breathing difficulties
• Swollen lymph nodes

What Is The Risk Of A Child With Down Syndrome Developing Leukaemia?

In general, children with Down syndrome are at greater risk of developing leukaemia. It is estimated that approximately 2.8 per cent of children with Down syndrome will be diagnosed with leukaemia by the age of five [4].

Here are some facts:

• Approximately 0.05 per cent of children without Down syndrome develop leukaemia.
• Children with Down syndrome may be more likely to develop ALL, the most common form of childhood leukaemia, at any age. However, the development of ALL tends to peak between the ages of 2 and 4.
• In general, AML is not as prevalent in children as it is in adults, but it is more prevalent in children with Down syndrome.
• The condition known as transient leukaemia, which typically disappears on its own without treatment, can also be associated with Down syndrome during your child's first month of life.

Complications Of Leukaemia In Children With Down Syndrome

The survival rate for children with leukaemia is generally high. About 98 per cent of children with or without Down syndrome who have ALL achieve remission, and 90 per cent live for at least 5 years after diagnosis.

Additionally, researchers have found that children with Down syndrome have a higher relapse rate [5].

Leukaemia Treatment For Children With Down Syndrome

Regardless of your child's subtype and severity of leukaemia, treatment is the same for children with and without Down syndrome. A doctor will make treatment recommendations based on your child's subtype and severity.

On A Final Note...

Down syndrome children are at an increased risk of developing leukaemia. It is important to be alert to possible signs of leukaemia in your child to ensure early detection and treatment.