Study of Neutrophil Types in Children Aged 3 to 12 With Down Syndrome and Gingival Inflammation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying children with Down syndrome or trisomy 21 DST21 to better understand how their immune cells, specifically neutrophils, may contribute to early gum disease called periodontitis. This condition is more common and severe in young people with DST21 under 35 years old, but little is known about the role of immune deficiency in these cases. The study focuses on identifying different types of neutrophils in the mouth and blood of children with DST21 who have signs of gum inflammation. This is a non-randomized, open-label study involving two groups children with DST21 and control children without DST21. The DST21 group is further divided based on gum health. Control children include those with psychomotor retardation without immune or oral issues as well as healthy children, also divided by gum health. Researchers will collect saliva and blood samples during routine care at a hospitals oral medicine department over 12 months to analyze neutrophil subtypes using flow cytometry. Participants will provide saliva and blood samples without additional follow-up visits beyond their usual care. The study will examine neutrophil markers to distinguish different subtypes and assess their presence in saliva and blood during health and inflammation. This will help understand the immune cell involvement in early gum disease in children with DST21. The study runs from April 2025 to April 2027, with safety and data collection integrated into routine clinical care.

Periodontitis and Inflammation in Children With Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21: Study on Biological Samples