iarjmsIARJMSIARJMS2708-359410.47310/iarjms.2024.v05i02.011Outcome of WHO Vs Down Syndrome Specific Growth Chart For Growth Assessment in Down Syndrome Children Less Than 5 Years.RabinaRasheedKrishnaMalagiMallikarjunaH BPost graduate student, MD Pediatrics, The Oxford medical college hospital & research Center, Bangalore.Assistant professor, Department of pediatrics The Oxford medical college, hospital and research Center, Bangalore.Professor and HOD, Department of pediatrics, The Oxford medical college hospital & research Center, Bangalore.Background: IAP growth charts are used as standard for measuring anthropometric parameters in Indian children. Previously published growth charts for Down syndrome are based on Americans, Arab, Sicilian and Dutch population. The American DS growth charts are frequently used all over world. There is no specific chart available for children with Down’s syndrome in India.Objective: To compare the anthropometric parameters (weight, height and head circumference) of children less than 5 year with Down’s syndrome in combined WHO- IAP and Standard U.S Down syndrome specific growth charts. Methods: A comparative prospective study was conducted among children with cytogenetically confirmed cases of Down syndrome aged less than 5 years. The study variables included weight, length (for children under 2 years or unable to stand) or height for 2-5 years, head circumference. Data were collected using questionnaires and growth charts, specifically the combined World Health Organization (WHO)-Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) chart and the U.S. Down Syndrome Specific Growth Charts. Descriptive statistics  and comparison of mean scores of anthropometric parameters in combined WHO-IAP and US Down syndrome specific growth charts and correlation analysis were performed.Results: In children less than 5 years, there was an increase in trend noted in weight and height Z score with age. Statistically significant difference was noted in weight, height and head circumference Z scores when these parameters where compared on WHO-IAP Vs US Down syndrome growth charts. Conclusion:On comparison of anthropometric measures when plotted on IAP/WHO growth charts against US Down syndrome growth charts, IAP/WHO growth charts overestimated wasting, stunting and microcephaly. This signifies that the IAP- WHO growth charts are meant for growth assessment in normal children and hence cannot be used to assess growth in children with Down syndrome. As the  currently used US Down’s  syndrome specific growth charts take into account the growth parameters of US population, these charts are less than ideal for assessment of growth in Indian children with Down’s syndrome taking into consideration the genetic make-up, racial, ethnic and social factors. Hence there is a need for Down syndrome specific growth charts prepared for Indian children for more accurate growth monitoring of these children.