Dermatologic Conditions in Down Syndrome: A Multi-Site Retrospective Review of International Classification of Diseases Codes

Tasya Rakasiwi, Department of Dermatology, Dartmouth Health, Manchester, New Hampshire, USA.
Chenin Ryan, Geisel Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.
Amy Stein, Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance, Portland, Oregon, USA.
Alan Vu, Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Morgan Dykman, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Ipsit Shah, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Catherine Reilly, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
Gabrielle Brokamp, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Mia A. Mologousis, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Bailey Komishke, Division of Dermatology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Vincent Hou, University of Colorado Medical School, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Sheilagh Maguiness, Department of Dermatology, M Health Fairview, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
A Yasmine Kirkorian, Division of Dermatology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Harper Price, Division of Dermatology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Elena B. Hawryluk, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Esteban Fernandez Faith, Division of Dermatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Irene Lara-Corrales, Division of Dermatology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Emily Gurnee, Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Kristen E. Holland, Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Jillian F. Rork, Department of Dermatology, Dartmouth Health, Manchester, New Hampshire, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-26-2024

Journal

Pediatric dermatology

DOI

10.1111/pde.15757

Keywords

Down syndrome; alopecia areata; dermatophyte; eczema; folliculitis; hidradenitis suppurativa; high risk medication use; psoriasis; seborrheic dermatitis; skin cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: As the population and life expectancy of people with Down syndrome increases, identifying common skin conditions throughout the lifespan will help inform clinical care and research. We sought to evaluate dermatologic conditions diagnosed in pediatric and adult patients with Down syndrome. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study analyzed demographic and outpatient visit International Classification of Diseases codes of patients with Down syndrome evaluated at outpatient dermatology clinics in the United States or Canada between 2011 and 2021. RESULTS: A total of 1529 patients with Down syndrome were identified from eight academic medical centers: 50.8% were children (0-12 years), 25.2% were adolescents (13-17 years), and 24% were adults (18 years and older). Eczematous dermatitis was the most common diagnosis overall (26%), followed by folliculitis (19.3%) and seborrheic dermatitis (15.6%). Other notable diagnoses included dermatophyte infections (13%), alopecia areata (11.6%), and psoriasis (6.7%). About 4.3% of visits included a code for high-risk medication use. Eczematous dermatitis, alopecia areata, and folliculitis were the most common diagnoses observed in children; folliculitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and eczematous dermatitis in adolescents; and seborrheic dermatitis, eczematous dermatitis, and folliculitis in adults. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatologic conditions in patients with Down syndrome vary by age, but are most often eczematous, adnexal, and cutaneous autoimmune disorders. This multicenter retrospective review identifies skin diseases that should be prioritized for clinical care guideline development and research in the Down syndrome community.

Department

Dermatology

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS