Immune-Related Conditions and Acute Leukemia in Children with Down Syndrome: A Children's Oncology Group Report

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. (C)2014 AACR.