A neonate with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) may develop a transient myeloproliferative disorder (transient abnormal myelopoiesis or TAM). A number of early and late complications may occur.
Complications that may be noted in a neonate with trisomy 21 and TAM:
(1) hydrops fetalis
(2) congestive heart failure (CHF)
(3) pericardial and/or pleural effusion
(4) respiratory failure
(5) cholestatic liver disease with progressive hepatic fibrosis
(6) multi-organ failure (MOF)
About 10% of neonates with trisomy 21 and TAM may die in the first few months of life.
Up to 30% of infants with TAM may develop acute leukemia during the first year of life.
Cytostatic therapy with low-dose cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) may be beneficial in patients with serious complications. This is stopped once there is clinical improvement.
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