Nationwide hospitalizations of patients with down syndrome and congenital heart disease over a 15-year period

Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic diseases, generally associated with an increased probability of congenital heart diseases. This increased risk contributes to escalated levels of morbidity and mortality. In this study, we sought to analyze nationwide data of pediatric and adult patients with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease over a 15-year period. Data obtained from the hospital discharge form between 2001 and 2016 of patients diagnosed with Down syndrome in Italy and at least one congenital heart disease were included. Information on 12362 admissions of 6527 patients were included. Age at first admission was 6.2 ± 12.8 years and was a predictor of mortality (HR = 1.51, 95