What is a common complication associated with Down's syndrome?

• A. Leukemia
• B. Asthma
• C. Diabetes
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (A)

Leukemia is a common complication associated with Down's syndrome due to the increased risk in individuals with this genetic condition. Research has shown that children with Down's syndrome are substantially more likely to develop certain types of leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), compared to children without Down's syndrome. This heightened risk is believed to be linked to the genetic abnormalities present in Down's syndrome, particularly the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, which affects blood cell development and regulation.

While asthma, diabetes, and hypertension can occur in individuals with Down's syndrome, they are not as closely associated with the condition as leukemia. Asthma may arise from environmental factors or other unrelated health issues. Diabetes can occur but is not a defining complication of Down's syndrome, and hypertension can develop later but is not prevalent in young children with the syndrome. Thus, leukemia stands out as a specific concern for individuals with Down's syndrome.