Follow-up of a 10-year period (2010-2020) of Down syndrome in Brazil.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and provide an overview of Down syndrome and child- and mother-associated factors in Brazil from 2010 to 2020. This was a cross-sectional study including epidemiological characteristics related to live births of individuals with and without Down syndrome using the Brazilian government website. The average prevalence of Down syndrome in Brazil was approximately 30.4 children per 100,000 live births during the 10-year period, corresponding to 1 case in every 3,289.47 newborns. The occurrence of Down syndrome was increased in White children, preterm births, and low birth weight infants compared to the no-Down syndrome group; however, it was decreased in males. The prevalence of Down syndrome was low among mothers without a spouse, insufficient prenatal care, and vaginal delivery. Conversely, the prevalence was high among mothers aged 35 years and older and mothers considered White. There was no evidence of a time correlation in the prevalence among the regions of Brazil during this 10-year period. It is imperative to strengthen national monitoring of the prevalence of children with Down syndrome and provide better support to mothers and public services for this group.