Hepatitis and Down's syndrome.

Data obtained concerning Hepatitis B as a possible couse of Down's syndrome, neonatal hepatitis, and the occurrence of Hepatitis A and B in institutionalized Down's syndrome and matched non-Down's syndrome retarded patients was summarized. The results of our studies indicated that Hepatitis B infection during pregnancy was not related to the genetic changes associated with Down's syndrome. It was further indicated that in institutionalized patients the incidence of Hepatitis B infection in both Down's syndrome and other mentally retarded patients was similar. Within the institition we studied, the incidence of Hepatitis B varied among wards. This ward variation seemed to be related to age at time of institutionalization and degree of mental retardation. Those patients with most retardation and those institutionalized at an early age were placed on wards with highest incidence of Hepatitis B antigenemia.