Discussion
Even though children with DS are more prone to infections (often
originating in the respiratory tract) due to several predisposing
factors, this inquiry concludes that the pathogens encountered in
bronchoalveolar lavage fluids are similar compared to controls. Most
frequently, cultures showed growth of typical bacteria such as
Haemophilus influenza, catarrhalis species and Streptococcus pneumoniae
in both groups. This was also the case in several studies of children
with protracted bacterial bronchitis . The previously mentioned case
reports about atypical pathogens in DS therefore seem to be rather
exceptional. When treating patients with DS and (chronic) lower airway
infections, antibiotic therapy should not necessarily be adjusted to a
more broad spectrum than in children without underlying conditions.
However, the multiple comorbidities in these patients and at times
atypical or more severe course of infections vindicate a thorough
evaluation and adequate treatment.