Patients with Down Syndrome and COVID-19 Pneumonia Requiring Ventilatory Support: A Case Series

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality found in humans. In Oman, the birth prevalence of DS is 2.4 in 1000 (about 120 affected births per year). Underlying compromised cardiopulmonary status and intellectual disabilities predispose these patients to be particularly vulnerable to serious respiratory viral infections. They also tend to have exaggerated cytokine storms due to underlying immune dysregulation. We report our experience with three DS patients who contracted COVID-19 pneumonia and were admitted to our intensive care unit where they were successfully managed and discharged. Patients with DS are highly susceptible to serious outcomes due to COVID-19. They should be given top priority in immunization programs.