Immune-related conditions and acute leukemia in children with Down syndrome: a Children's Oncology Group report

Abstract

Background: Children with Down syndrome have unique immune profiles and increased leukemia susceptibility.

Methods: Mothers of 158 children with Down syndrome diagnosed with acute leukemia at 0 to 19 years in 1997 to 2002 and 173 children with Down syndrome but no leukemia were interviewed. Associations were evaluated via multivariable unconditional logistic regression.

Results: No associations were detected for asthma, eczema, allergies, or hypothyroidism. Diabetes mellitus associated with leukemia (OR = 9.23; 95% confidence interval 2.33-36.59); however, most instances occurred concurrent with or after the leukemia diagnosis.

Conclusions and impact: Children with Down syndrome who develop leukemia have increased diabetes risk, likely due to treatment and underlying susceptibility factors.