{"id":47658,"date":"2023-03-30T09:14:18","date_gmt":"2023-03-30T09:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prabhattimes.com?p=47658"},"modified":"2023-03-30T09:14:18","modified_gmt":"2023-03-30T09:14:18","slug":"world-downs-syndrome-day-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prabhattimes.com\/news\/world-downs-syndrome-day-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"WORLD Down\u2019s syndrome DAY : How to identify and top tips for treating kids with down SYNDROME?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/h4>\n

\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/h4>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Prabhat Times<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jalandhar. <\/strong>(WORLD Down\u2019s syndrome DAY) Down\u2019s syndrome is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21; it is one of the best known chromosomal disorders in humans.<\/h4>\n

It has effects on most body systems, giving rise to a variety of characteristic clinical features including intellectual impairment, short stature, flat face, flat nasal bridge, prominent epicanthic folds, up slanting palpebral fissures and protruding tongue.<\/h4>\n

Down\u2019s syndrome is the most common autosomal abnormality worldwide, affecting around 1 in 1000 live births (World Health Organization, 2018).<\/h4>\n

The name comes from Dr John Langdon Down who published a description of the condition in 1866.<\/h4>\n

Risks increases with age!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It is well known that the risk of Down\u2019s syndrome dramatically increases as maternal age increases over 30 years. A mother aged 30 years has a risk of 1 in 1000 of having a child with Down\u2019s syndrome.<\/h4>\n

HOW TO DIAGNOSE DOWN SYNDROME DURING PREGNANCY ?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Current UK guidelines and society of foetal medicine recommends screening for Down\u2019s syndrome in the first trimester using the \u2018combined test’.<\/h4>\n

The combined test can only be performed between 11\u2009+\u20092 and 14\u2009+\u20091 weeks gestation and involves measuring nuchal translucency on an ultrasound scan, plus measuring maternal serum beta-hCG plus pregnancy-associated plasma protein A.<\/h4>\n

Increased nuchal translucency is associated with Down\u2019s syndrome, congenital heart defects and abdominal wall defects.<\/h4>\n

For women who book late in pregnancy or for whom the nuchal translucency could not be measured, maternal serum screening in the second trimester should be offered.<\/h4>\n

This can be performed between 14\u2009+\u20092 and 20\u2009+\u20090 weeks gestation. This triple or quadruple test involves measuring maternal biochemical markers: alpha-FP, unconjugated oestriol, beta-hCG, +\/\u2013 inhibin-A. Down\u2019s syndrome is associated with low alpha-FP, low unconjugated oestriol, raised beta-hCG, and raised inhibin-A.<\/h4>\n

HOW TO IDENTIFY A DOWNSYNDROME BABY ?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The extra chromosome 21 affects most body systems, and results in a wide range of clinical features .<\/h4>\n

Complications<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Patients with Down\u2019s syndrome are at increased risk of developing a number of co-morbidities<\/h4>\n

All individuals with a diagnosis of Down\u2019s syndrome should be offered an annual health check in primary care.<\/h4>\n

Mental health assessment may be required if the patient presents with changes in behaviour or mood, or loss of skills.<\/h4>\n

Immunisations<\/strong><\/h3>\n

All individuals with Down\u2019s syndrome should be offered routine immunisation in line with local policy.<\/h4>\n

In addition, individuals with Down\u2019s syndrome should be considered for annual influenza vaccination given their increased risk of infection, especially if they have chronic cardiac or respiratory disease.<\/h4>\n

The pneumococcal vaccine should be considered in anyone with Down\u2019s syndrome over the age of 2 years who has either had no pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine before, or only had the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Marder, 2014).<\/h4>\n

Treatments and therapies<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There is no cure for Down\u2019s syndrome; however, early interventions can improve functional outcomes.<\/h4>\n

This will include assessment and intervention by physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy teams. In addition, any child with Down\u2019s syndrome should receive both psychological and educational support.<\/h4>\n

KEY POINTS<\/strong><\/h3>\n