We know from our experience that many people with DS do not drink enough fluids. However, before accepting that there is a genetic inevitability, we suggest considering a few things. This may suggest a genetic difference due to DS. These studies support our sense that 'typical' kidney function in people with DS is less than 'typical' kidney function in those without DS.

A review article (that analyzed previously published studies) published by Emory University in 2004 reported that prior research had noted 'decreased creatinine clearance' (decreased kidney function) in people with DS.The article cited previous studies that showed microscopic anatomical differences in the kidneys of children with DS. We frequently see mild elevations of one or both values.īased on our clinical experience, we suspect that kidney function is typically a little decreased in people with DS compared to those without DS but we have found very little in the medical literature to confirm our suspicion.Ī small study done in Japan in children with DS found that the 'kidney function in these children with DS was approximately 80% that of the healthy Japanese children, suggesting that children with DS have smaller kidneys or a lower number of glomeruli than children without DS.' Glomeruli are one of the types of kidney cells, and they filter toxins out of the blood. If the kidney function is decreased, the BUN and creatinine lab values go up. Both nitrogen and creatinine are filtered out by the kidneys. This nitrogen comes from a waste product of the liver called urea. BUN measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood. Two common labs that are measured through a blood test to assess kidney function are blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. This suggests that the kidneys of some people with DS do not cleanse their bodies of toxins as well as those of people without DS. The kidney function is slightly decreased compared to what is reported as 'normal' for the population as a whole. We frequently see that the lab values of kidney function of people with Down syndrome (DS) we evaluate at our Center are mildly abnormal.

Bun normal range child