Early death and causes of death of people with Down syndrome: a systematic review

O'Leary, L., Hughes-Mccormack, L., Dunn, K. and Cooper, S.-A. (2018) Early death and causes of death of people with Down syndrome: a systematic review. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 31(5), pp. 687-708. (doi: 10.1111/jar.12446) (PMID:29573301)

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Abstract

Background: It is thought that people with Down syndrome die younger than the general population, but that survival rates are improving. Methods: Five databases were searched for keywords related to intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome and mortality. Strict inclusion criteria were applied. Information from 34 selected studies was tabulated, extracted and synthesized. Results: People with Down syndrome died about 28 years younger than the general population. Congenital heart anomalies, comorbidities, low birthweight, and Black and minority ethnicity influenced earlier age of death, as did younger maternal age and poorer parental education. Congenital heart anomalies and respiratory conditions were the leading causes of death, and more common than in the general population. Survival rates have improved over time, particularly for those with congenital heart anomalies. Conclusions: People with Down syndrome are living longer but still die younger of different causes than the general population. More robust comparative data are needed, and ethnic differences require further study.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Funding information: Scottish Government via the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory.
Keywords:Education, developmental and educational psychology.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hughes, Mrs Laura and O'Leary, Dr Lisa and Dunn, Mrs Kirsty and Cooper, Professor Sally-Ann
Authors: O'Leary, L., Hughes-Mccormack, L., Dunn, K., and Cooper, S.-A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1360-2322
ISSN (Online):1468-3148
Published Online:24 March 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 John Wiley and Sons Ltd
First Published:First published in Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 31(5): 687-708
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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