Table 1. Characteristics of the various health categories in the study population of children with Down syndrome.

Healthy

Children without concomitant disorders that could possibly interfere with growth

Children were negatively screened for CHD, celiac disease and hypothyroidism

For example: children with cataract were included and children with musculoskeletal disorders were excluded

Mild CHD

Children with CHD not needing surgical intervention or medication and without pulmonary vascular disease

For example: children with an atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale without complaints

Severe CHD

Children with CHD needing surgical intervention, medication, or with pulmonary vascular disease

For example: children with an atrioventricular septal defect or Tetralogy of Fallot

Other disorders

Children with other disorders and treatments known to interfere with growth, and children with multiple concomitant disorders

For example: children positively screened for hypothyroidism or celiac disease, children with congenital gastrointestinal disorders, children on anti-epileptic medication or corticosteroids (including inhalation medication)

Abbreviation: CHD – congenital heart defect.