All issues > Volume 25(10); 1982

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1982;25(10):994-1006. Published online October 31, 1982.

Physical Features of Korean Children of Down Syndrome.

Hack Joo Cha, You Nam Kim, Ki Bok Kim

¹Department of Pediatrics, Kwangju Christian Hospital

Abstract

Ths physical features characteristic of Down Syndrome in Korean children were analyzed in 81 patients confirmed by cytogenetic examination in the Department of Pediatrics, Kwangju Christian Hospital, during the period from March, 1974 through July, 1981, and results are- summarized as follows: 1) The sex ratio was 2 males to one female. 2) The frequency of most stigmata found among Down cases were signifi cantly higher than, among normal children, and they did not differ greatly from those of the Caucasian and the- Chinese. The most frequent stigmata was the prominent epicanthal fold, which was found in. 95% of all cases. 3) The incidence of the associated congenital anomalies in order of occurrence were： conge- nital heart disease (24%), chest anomalies (6%), umbilical hernia (5%), cleft palate (1%), duodenal obstruction (1%), imperforated anus (1%), and separated uvula (1%). 4) The Brushfield spot, frequently found in blue eyed Caucasians, from 30% to 85%, was. not found at all. 5) Clinodactyly, protruding tongue, congenital heart disease, and genital anomalies were- significantly more common in males, and oblique palpebral fissures were significantly more- common in females. 6) Cytogenetic examination revealed 21-Trisomy in 91%, Translocation in 9% of all cases,, but no mosaicism. No significant differences were noted in clinical features between 21-Trisomy and Translocation. 7) The frequencies of Hall cardinal signs for 18 newborn cases of Down Syndrome in this, study were the same as those in HalFs and EmanueVs series. 8) Body weight of Down Syndrome children was significantly lower than the mean body- weight of Korean children at any age level.

Keywords :Down syndrome, Korean children, Physical features.