Mothers, fathers, grandparents, friends and other family members: the gathering brought together more than 80 people at Fiocruz. Photo: Rudson Amorim
A Saturday to remember. Around 40 families of children with Down syndrome visited the Fiocruz, many for the first time, last Saturday (06/12).
In addition to visiting the traditional Moorish Castle and other attractions of the Foundation, they participated in a special roundtable discussion with researchers from the Laboratory of Virus-Host Interactions at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz).
The meeting, supported by the Directorate of Research, Technological Development and Innovation of IOCThe aim was to present, in an accessible and welcoming way, the results of research carried out with blood samples generously donated by families during clinical follow-up at the Multidisciplinary Down Syndrome Outpatient Clinic (AmbDown) of the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital (HUPE/UERJ), a partner in the study.
“Considering the greater severity of infections in people with Down syndrome, it becomes essential to understand the particularities of the immune response to vaccination in this population. Without the participation of caregivers and children, it would not be possible to carry out the research. This study is done for them and with them,” highlighted the coordinator of the investigation and researcher at the Laboratory of Virus-Host Interactions. IOCLuzia Maria de Oliveira Pinto.
At AmbDown, various services are provided, including blood collection, which allows the Laboratory team to perform immunological assessments and studies on development, health, and vaccine response. The body's response to immunizations for measles, rubella, and yellow fever was analyzed.
The data showed that, in the case of rubella, although children with Down syndrome develop antibodies at lower levels compared to children without genetic alterations or congenital infections, the positivity rate was high: 91% in the group with Down syndrome and 96% among those without genetic alterations.
The ride and miniature train were among the attractions during the visit to the F campus.iocruz. Photo: Rudson Amorim
For yellow fever, the proportion was 84% compared to 83% among children with and without Down syndrome, respectively.
In the measles vaccination, the positivity rate was slightly lower. While 56% of children with Down syndrome developed antibodies, in the group of children without genetic alterations the percentage reached 67%.
researcher of IOCLuzia Oliveira presented the research results to the families. Photo: Rudson Amorim
"This finding reinforces the need for continuous monitoring and special attention to vaccination update campaigns," Luzia emphasized.
Despite the hustle and bustle of daily life, Angel Monique, mother of little Ivy, 2 years old, makes sure to keep her daughter's vaccination record up to date.
“I’m always looking for ways to improve Ivy’s quality of life, and vaccines help a lot with that. Believe in vaccination; it saves lives,” emphasized Angel, a resident of Niterói.
Angel Monique and little Ivy after their train ride. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The analyses also investigated how age influences the immune response in children with Down syndrome.
In the case of measles, children aged 2 to 4 years showed higher antibody levels than those aged 5 to 7 years. Since the measles vaccine is administered in the first year of life, this difference suggests a possible natural reduction in antibodies over the years, a phenomenon already described by other studies.
For rubella, however, antibody levels remained stable in both age groups evaluated, despite measles and rubella being administered together in the same vaccine (called the MMR vaccine) and at the same time in childhood (doses at 12 and 15 months). For yellow fever, there were also no differences between the ages.
“None of the children evaluated, especially those with Down syndrome, presented adverse events related to the immunizations. Therefore, the results indicate that the vaccines are safe for this population and highlight the importance of monitoring the immune response over the years,” Luzia emphasized.
Mirian and Nataniel visiting the Castle of Fiocruz. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Mirian da Silva, a resident of Campos Elíseos in Duque de Caxias, in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro, and mother of 3-year-old Nataniel, said that she also always keeps up to date with her son's vaccinations.
"I am in favor of vaccination for everyone, children, young people and adults, for the sake of immunity and health. It is fundamental to prevent diseases," he stressed.
During regular check-ups at AmbDown, children receive care in medical genetics, pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, nutrition, physical therapy, speech therapy, endocrinology, pediatric neurology, dentistry, psychological support, and social services.
In addition to meeting the scientists, the discussion circle was a moment of integration and welcoming. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The clinic arose from a personal initiative of the pediatrician and coordinator, Anna Paula Baumblatt. Mother of Fernando, 15, who has Down syndrome, Anna felt motivated to fill a gap in care for these children.
“Together with Dr. Raquel Boy, I assembled a multidisciplinary team to welcome and support the families of children with Down syndrome. This mission is challenging. No two children with Down syndrome are alike. Care and treatment are individualized,” she explained.
“In the outpatient clinic, we develop a humanized approach to medicine. We look far beyond the genetic condition of patients. There is comprehensive support and conversation with each patient and their family. We carry out various types of follow-up care,” added Lara Almeida, a medical student and intern at AmbDown.
From left to right: Laura, Luna, Anna Paula, and Fernando. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The importance of vaccination and the partnership with FiocThe reasons for developing studies on vaccine adherence and immune response in this population were highlighted by Anna Paula.
“Vaccination is an act of love, protection, and health promotion. Through this partnership, we are developing a beautiful project. It is important that all children are vaccinated. It is a great privilege to live in a country where the health system offers a variety of vaccines free of charge,” she added.
In 2019, following the outbreak of Congenital Zika Syndrome, Luzia and her group led a study. which indicated that approximately 80% of mothers and children naturally infected with Zika acquired immunological memory. The research also sought to understand how infection with the microorganism during pregnancy regulated the immune response of mothers and their children.
At the time, dozens of families were also at FiocRuz went to a meeting with researchers. The action was part of a research project developed by IOC in partnership with the Antônio Pedro University Hospital of the Federal Fluminense University (HUAP/UFF).
Mothers, fathers, grandparents, friends and other family members: the gathering brought together more than 80 people at Fiocruz. Photo: Rudson Amorim
A Saturday to remember. Around 40 families of children with Down syndrome visited the Fiocruz, many for the first time, last Saturday (06/12).
In addition to visiting the traditional Moorish Castle and other attractions of the Foundation, they participated in a special roundtable discussion with researchers from the Laboratory of Virus-Host Interactions at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz).
The meeting, supported by the Directorate of Research, Technological Development and Innovation of IOCThe aim was to present, in an accessible and welcoming way, the results of research carried out with blood samples generously donated by families during clinical follow-up at the Multidisciplinary Down Syndrome Outpatient Clinic (AmbDown) of the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital (HUPE/UERJ), a partner in the study.
“Considering the greater severity of infections in people with Down syndrome, it becomes essential to understand the particularities of the immune response to vaccination in this population. Without the participation of caregivers and children, it would not be possible to carry out the research. This study is done for them and with them,” highlighted the coordinator of the investigation and researcher at the Laboratory of Virus-Host Interactions. IOCLuzia Maria de Oliveira Pinto.
At AmbDown, various services are provided, including blood collection, which allows the Laboratory team to perform immunological assessments and studies on development, health, and vaccine response. The body's response to immunizations for measles, rubella, and yellow fever was analyzed.
The data showed that, in the case of rubella, although children with Down syndrome develop antibodies at lower levels compared to children without genetic alterations or congenital infections, the positivity rate was high: 91% in the group with Down syndrome and 96% among those without genetic alterations.
The ride and miniature train were among the attractions during the visit to the F campus.iocruz. Photo: Rudson Amorim
For yellow fever, the proportion was 84% compared to 83% among children with and without Down syndrome, respectively.
In the measles vaccination, the positivity rate was slightly lower. While 56% of children with Down syndrome developed antibodies, in the group of children without genetic alterations the percentage reached 67%.
researcher of IOCLuzia Oliveira presented the research results to the families. Photo: Rudson Amorim
"This finding reinforces the need for continuous monitoring and special attention to vaccination update campaigns," Luzia emphasized.
Despite the hustle and bustle of daily life, Angel Monique, mother of little Ivy, 2 years old, makes sure to keep her daughter's vaccination record up to date.
“I’m always looking for ways to improve Ivy’s quality of life, and vaccines help a lot with that. Believe in vaccination; it saves lives,” emphasized Angel, a resident of Niterói.
Angel Monique and little Ivy after their train ride. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The analyses also investigated how age influences the immune response in children with Down syndrome.
In the case of measles, children aged 2 to 4 years showed higher antibody levels than those aged 5 to 7 years. Since the measles vaccine is administered in the first year of life, this difference suggests a possible natural reduction in antibodies over the years, a phenomenon already described by other studies.
For rubella, however, antibody levels remained stable in both age groups evaluated, despite measles and rubella being administered together in the same vaccine (called the MMR vaccine) and at the same time in childhood (doses at 12 and 15 months). For yellow fever, there were also no differences between the ages.
“None of the children evaluated, especially those with Down syndrome, presented adverse events related to the immunizations. Therefore, the results indicate that the vaccines are safe for this population and highlight the importance of monitoring the immune response over the years,” Luzia emphasized.
Mirian and Nataniel visiting the Castle of Fiocruz. Photo: Rudson Amorim
Mirian da Silva, a resident of Campos Elíseos in Duque de Caxias, in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro, and mother of 3-year-old Nataniel, said that she also always keeps up to date with her son's vaccinations.
"I am in favor of vaccination for everyone, children, young people and adults, for the sake of immunity and health. It is fundamental to prevent diseases," he stressed.
During regular check-ups at AmbDown, children receive care in medical genetics, pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, nutrition, physical therapy, speech therapy, endocrinology, pediatric neurology, dentistry, psychological support, and social services.
In addition to meeting the scientists, the discussion circle was a moment of integration and welcoming. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The clinic arose from a personal initiative of the pediatrician and coordinator, Anna Paula Baumblatt. Mother of Fernando, 15, who has Down syndrome, Anna felt motivated to fill a gap in care for these children.
“Together with Dr. Raquel Boy, I assembled a multidisciplinary team to welcome and support the families of children with Down syndrome. This mission is challenging. No two children with Down syndrome are alike. Care and treatment are individualized,” she explained.
“In the outpatient clinic, we develop a humanized approach to medicine. We look far beyond the genetic condition of patients. There is comprehensive support and conversation with each patient and their family. We carry out various types of follow-up care,” added Lara Almeida, a medical student and intern at AmbDown.
From left to right: Laura, Luna, Anna Paula, and Fernando. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The importance of vaccination and the partnership with FiocThe reasons for developing studies on vaccine adherence and immune response in this population were highlighted by Anna Paula.
“Vaccination is an act of love, protection, and health promotion. Through this partnership, we are developing a beautiful project. It is important that all children are vaccinated. It is a great privilege to live in a country where the health system offers a variety of vaccines free of charge,” she added.
In 2019, following the outbreak of Congenital Zika Syndrome, Luzia and her group led a study. which indicated that approximately 80% of mothers and children naturally infected with Zika acquired immunological memory. The research also sought to understand how infection with the microorganism during pregnancy regulated the immune response of mothers and their children.
At the time, dozens of families were also at FiocRuz went to a meeting with researchers. The action was part of a research project developed by IOC in partnership with the Antônio Pedro University Hospital of the Federal Fluminense University (HUAP/UFF).
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