Some trace elements and oxidative status in children with Down syndrome and the effect of early intervention program

Abstract EN

Our objective is to measure some plasma trace elements, oxidant and antioxidant enzymes and to compare the degrees of response to early intervention program among the intellectually disabled children due to genetic etiology (Down Syndrome).

Methodology: This case control study included 60 children (30 cases with Down syndrome from outpatient clinics and care center for children with especial needs, Derna) and 30 controls matched for age and sex, from January to December 2007.

All cases were subjected to measuring plasma selenium, copper, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, evaluation of all the developmental fields (infantstimulation, cognition, motor, social maturation, and language), a comprehensive program for early intervention using Portage Developmental Charts.

Results: The mean values of plasma copper, erythrocyte SOD and blood glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher in cases with Down Syndrome than the controls (1.9± 0.2, 1.6± 0.2 mg/L, 407± 155, 133± 54 U/L, 13457± 2175, 6671± 2105 U/L), respectively, while blood selenium was significantly lower in Down Syndrome than controls (14.3± 0.9, 19.7± 1.3 ug/L, respectively)(P<0.05).

The mean value of social, self-help, cognition and motor developmental fields in Down Syndrome were significantly improved after the intervention program than before (77.3± 13, 78.1± 15, 61.2± 21, 66.8± 17, 66.3± 14, 73.5± 20, 44± 19, 52.6± 22, respectively)(P<0.05).

Conclusion: Implementation of early comprehensive intervention programs is mandatory for the children who suffer from problems related to developmental fields and detecting any metabolic or molecular disorders could be prevented or treated by correction or replacement.

Keywords: Down Syndrome, Mental Retardation, Early Intervention, Trace elements, Oxidative status