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Family income was found not to be associated with psychosocial stress in mothers testing positive for COVID. However, a strong relationship was observed in those testing negative for COVID. See article by Werchan et al., page 1279.
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common viable autosomal trisomy. The average lifespan of a person with DS is approximately 60 years and the infant mortality rate is about 5%. However, in this issue of Pediatric Research, Shimokaze et al. report that the mortality rate of infants with DS born at <34 weeks’ gestation is 40%. In addition, 84% of the infants who died had a history of non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS). Thus, fetuses with DS who develop NRFS at <34 weeks’ gestation may have significant challenges to their viability. The expansion of noninvasive prenatal genetic testing will increase the number of fetuses diagnosed with DS. Thus, we need to start discussions about suitable strategies for fetuses who are diagnosed as DS and have NRFS at <34 weeks’ gestation.