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High mortality rate of preterm infants with Down syndrome

Pediatric Research volume 95, pages 1186–1187 (2024)Cite this article

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common viable autosomal trisomy. The average lifespan of a person with DS is approximately 60 years and the infant mortality rate is about 5%. However, in this issue of Pediatric Research, Shimokaze et al. report that the mortality rate of infants with DS born at <34 weeks’ gestation is 40%. In addition, 84% of the infants who died had a history of non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS). Thus, fetuses with DS who develop NRFS at <34 weeks’ gestation may have significant challenges to their viability. The expansion of noninvasive prenatal genetic testing will increase the number of fetuses diagnosed with DS. Thus, we need to start discussions about suitable strategies for fetuses who are diagnosed as DS and have NRFS at <34 weeks’ gestation.

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  1. Department of Neonatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Masahiko Kawai

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  1. Masahiko Kawai
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Correspondence to Masahiko Kawai.

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Kawai, M. High mortality rate of preterm infants with Down syndrome. Pediatr Res 95, 1186–1187 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-023-03003-4

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