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Down Syndrome in Brazil: Occurrence and Associated Factors
Mariana Rabello Laignier1, Luís Carlos Lopes-Júnior1, Raquel Esperidon Santana2
1Nursing Department at the Health Sciences Center, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil.
Insights
The incidence of Down syndrome in Brazil was 4 per 10,000 live births. Advanced maternal age (≥35) and paternal age (≥30) were associated with increased risk for Down syndrome births.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Down syndrome is the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability.
- Accurate incidence data in Brazil was previously unclear.
- This study addresses the need for Brazilian Down syndrome occurrence statistics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate Down syndrome incidence in Brazil from 2012-2018.
- To analyze associations with maternal, paternal, and gestational factors.
- To examine links with newborn vitality indicators.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of Brazilian birth certificates (2012-2018).
- Statistical analysis using Pearson's chi-square and logistic regression.
- Utilized Stata 14.1 software with a 95% CI and 5% significance level.
Main Results:
- 157 Down syndrome cases identified among 386,571 live births.
- Incidence rate found to be 4 per 10,000 live births.
- Significant associations noted with maternal age ≥35, paternal age ≥30, ≥6 prenatal visits, prematurity, and low birth weight.
Conclusions:
- Maternal age of 35 and above increases the likelihood of Down syndrome.
- Premature birth, low birth weight, and adequate prenatal care (≥6 visits) are associated with Down syndrome.
- Findings provide crucial epidemiological data for Down syndrome in Brazil.
Background:
Down syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability, with an estimated birth prevalence of 14 per 10,000 live births. In Brazil, statistical data on the occurrence of babies born with Down syndrome remain unclear. We aimed to estimate the occurrence of Down syndrome between 2012 and 2018, and to observe its association with maternal, gestational, paternal characteristics, and newborn vitality.
Methods:
A retrospective study was carried out using secondary data included in the Certificate of Live Birth in a state located in the southeastern region of Brazil. Data analysis was performed in the software Stata 14.1. Pearson's chi-square test for bivariate analysis, and logistic regression for multivariate analysis were performed, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a significance of 5%.
Results:
We observed that 157 cases of Down syndrome were reported among 386,571 live births, representing an incidence of 4 in 10,000 live births. Down syndrome was associated with maternal age ≥ 35 years, paternal age ≥ 30 years, the performance of six or more prenatal consultations, prematurity, and low birth weight (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Women aged 35 and over were more likely to have children born with Down syndrome. In addition, there is an association of Down syndrome with premature birth, low birth weight, and the number of prenatal consultations (≥6).
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