EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF DOWN SYNDROME IN THE STATE OF BAHIA

Abstract

Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder characterized by trisomy of chromosome 21, which undoubtedly factor that is associated with the syndrome is advanced maternal age. However, the special characteristics of the mother or the conditions of birth are more frequently found among these children than among normal children. The objective of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological profile of infants with Down  syndrome in the state of Bahia, to examine relationships between maternal characteristics and birth and SD and to identify possible associations of the Apgar score and birth weight with DS. Material and Methods: The study is transversal, with a series of newborns (NB) in the state of Bahia, between 2005 and 2007, recorded in the Information System on Live Births (SINASC). Results: Among 671,650 live births to higher incidence of SD was observed in 2005. Factors such as age, low Apgar scores at 1 and at 5 minutes, low birth weight and gestational age premature show statistically significant association of the highest incidences of the syndrome. Conclusion: it was shown that infants with Down syndrome have common features highlighting the need for early stimulation. Despite the results, we suggest further studies with these factors, longer, in different populations.