Down syndrome and congenital heart disease: perioperative planning and management

Abstract Approximately 50% of newborns with Down syndrome have congenital heart disease. Non-cardiac comorbidities may also be present. Many the principles and strategies perioperative evaluation management for patients disease apply to those syndrome. Nevertheless, careful planning cardiac surgery is required, evaluating both noncardiac disease, consideration risk pulmonary hypertension. In this manuscript, children hemodynamically significant we will summarize epidemiology defects that warrant intervention. We review unique population, including anesthetic considerations, common postoperative issues, nutritional strategies, discharge planning. Special considerations single ventricle palliation transplantation discussed. Overall, mortality in pediatric no more than general except functional defects. Underlying contribute complications increased length stay. A strong understanding non-cardiac help clinicians optimize care long-term outcomes.