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Deaths A mong C hildren, A dolescents, and Y oung A dults with D own S yndrome
Author(s) -
Miodrag, Nancy,
Silverberg, Sophie E.,
Urbano Richard C.,
Hodapp Robert M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12023
Subject(s) - medicine , young adult , demography , pediatrics , gerontology , sociology
Background Although life expectancies in D own syndrome ( DS ) have doubled over the past 3–4 decades, there continue to be many early deaths. Yet, most research focuses on infant mortality or later adult deaths. Materials and Methods In this US study, hospital discharge and death records from the state of T ennessee were linked to examine 2046 hospitalized individuals with DS (85 died) in three age groups: children (1–9), adolescents (10–19) and young adults (20–29). Results Most deaths occurred to young adults, while children had the most hospitalizations. Leading causes of death were cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, and patients who died had longer hospital stays. Proportions of female deaths rose in young adulthood, and disproportionately more A frican A mericans died at each age period. Conclusion Mortality is high among young adults with DS . Special vigilance is needed for individuals with DS who are female, A frican A merican and in their 20s.