The CDC study reported that during its period of analysis, the median life expectancy among Caucasians with Down syndrome was 49 years while the median life expectancy among Blacks with Down syndrome was 25 years. 

Life expectancy: 1968-1997

The study also reported that Black infants with Down syndrome had a significantly higher infant mortality rate than white infants with Down syndrome. Infant mortality refers to the chance of surviving past the first year of life. 

Infant mortality rates: 1968-1997

The CDC conducted a study from 1968-1997 analyzing 34,000 cases of Down syndrome across the United States. The study revealed racial disparities, particularly comparing mortality rates between Black and white individuals with Down syndrome. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Studies have revealed racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes among individuals with Down syndrome, particularly concerning life expectancy and congenital heart disease. 

Racial and Ethnic Disparities 

Esbensen, A., & Wang, L. (2019). Racial Disparity in Health Outcomes Among People with Down Syndrome Fact Sheet: Information to Better Support Families. https://www.dsagc.com/default/assets/File/Health%20Disparities%20Fact%20Sheet%20--%20FinalDraft-April%202019(1).pdf

Racial Disparity in Health Outcomes Among People with Down Syndrome 

In a 2012-2018 study by Chaiken et. al, it was found that Down syndrome rates have increased among Black, Hispanic and AIAN communities in the United States as compared to previous trends, but rates among white and Asian communities did not change. The explanation of this difference in rate of change is not clear. 

Down Syndrome Trends by Race/Ethnicity in the United States

Historic racial disparities of Down syndrome in mortality 

A 2016 study from the Journal of Pediatrics reported that among children with Down syndrome, Black children had a higher probability of having congenital heart disease as a comorbidity of Down syndrome than their white counterparts. 

Black children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease

A 2013 study, published by the Research in Developmental Disabilities journal, revealed that Hispanic children and Non-Hispanic Black children with Down syndrome reported higher hospital use than white children. This study also highlighted how costs for treatment in hospitals were higher for Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Blacks than for whites. The study mentioned how this correlates to the higher rates of congenital heart defects among Non-Hispanic Blacks. 

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