06
Nov
2019
New Irish research into Down’s Syndrome Associated Arthritis that will lead to improved outcomes for children with the condition has just been published.
Down’s arthritis is an aggressive, erosive, inflammatory arthritis that affects one in 50 children with Down syndrome. Up until now, there was little information on its unique immunological features, which hindered effective treatment.
The paper written by researchers at Children’s Hospital Ireland at Crumlin, the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital and UCD has just been published in the international peer-reviewed journal, Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Researchers have for the first time, identified an underlying immune system dysregulation in Down’s Syndrome Associated Arthritis. The altered immune profile of DA can influence how the disease progresses. This greater understanding of the condition will lead to improved diagnostic and prognostic outcomes for patients.
Down’s Syndrome Associated Arthritis is potentially more aggressive than juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which affects one in 1,000 children. Furthermore, the lack of awareness of increased risk of arthritis in children with Down syndrome, this group is potentially at a greater risk of long-term complications.
The research is supported by Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Arthritis Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland and the Health Research Board.
