الفهرس 
Prevalence of HCV infection in children with down syndrome attending the genetics clinic Cairo University children hospital
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Abstract
Background: Down syndrome is one of the most common numerical chromosomal abnormalities. Among the more common physical findings are hypotonia , mental impairment, facial dysmorphism and associated congenital anomalies particularly congenital heart disease. Down syndrome, trisomy 21, children have an increased susceptibility to develop infections. Among those infections, Down syndrome, trisomy 21, children have an increased susceptibility to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and related hospitalization. Prolonged hospital stay and recurrent hospital admissions with frequent intravenous cannulation and intravenous drug administration make Down syndrome, trisomy 21, children at a high risk of developing hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Hepatitis or inflammation of the liver can be due to a variety of causes of which viral infections is the most important and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection in Down syndrome, trisomy 21, children and the possible risk factors of infection.Method: This cross sectional case control study included 200 Down syndrome, trisomy 21, children. All children were tested for HCV antibodies and children with positive HCV antibodies underwent further investigations (HCV PCR and Abdominal ultrasound). According to the results of HCV antibodies and PCR the children were divided into two groups ; Positive HCV group and negative HCV group. Results: Eight children out of a total of the 200 children (4%) had positive HCV antibodies. In the positive HCV group; 4 cases (50%) had mothers with HCV infection (p=0.01) versus 5 children (2.6%) in the negative HCV group.The risk of other family members infected with HCV in the positive HCV group was significantly higher (87.5%) compared to the negative HCV group (26.4%) (p<0.01)