Cardiac disease in Down Syndrome: literature review and international expert consensus in collaboration with Down Syndrome International (DSi)

Congenital heart disease is common in patients with Down syndrome, yet clinical recommendations relating to its diagnosis and management in this patient group are lacking. We discuss the ongoing collaboration between an international panel of cardiovascular experts and expert stakeholders from Down Syndrome International, an international disabled people's organisation with membership of organisations and individuals from 136 countries worldwide. The aim of this collaboration is to describe best clinical practice, focusing on 10 key areas relating to Down syndrome and cardiac disease, from prenatal diagnosis to the care of patients in areas of differing resource availability. The planned expert consensus statement on cardiac disease in people with Down syndrome aims to foster communication between experts, direct future research and inform future practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease in people with Down syndrome.