Abstract
This paper reports on an audit undertaken on a population of adult clients with Down's syndrome with regard to haematological and thyroid status in order to detect their state of health in these areas. A letter was sent requesting the clients to attend their local hospital for the relevant blood tests, i.e. full blood count, random blood glucose and thyroid function tests: 116 clients were targeted. The overall response rate was 78.26%. A significant level of minor haematological abnormalities was detected. Sixty-five per cent (52 of 80 responders) had marginally elevated mean cell volume and/or mean cell haemoglobin values. If all minor anomalies were taken into account, e.g. reduced lymphocyte, eosinophil or basophil count, 86.3% (69 of 80 responders) had some abnormality detected. Thyroid function assessment revealed abnormalities in 30.7% (or 27 of 88) of responders, while raised random blood glucose levels were found in 16% (or 13 of 81) responders. A significant level of subclinical morbidity was detected, particularly regarding thyroid disease. The case for regular thyroid function screening is strongly supported, though less so regarding haematological status and glucose levels. A balance between monitoring the well-being of a vulnerable section of the population living in the community against interfering with their autonomy and independence, continues to be a struggle for health awareness amongst care-givers is essential in order to offer an adequate health service to the learning disabled.
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