Caring for children with Down syndrome: a medical checklist

Abstract

Down syndrome (DS) consists of the largest group of children with mental retardation due to a single recognizable syndrome. Once the diagnosis of DS is made (by the paediatrician, neonatologist or family physician), it ushers in a series of investigations for associated medical problems. This is because in this syndrome almost every system or organ in the body needs special attention. Appropriate interventions, if carried out on time, can reduce complications and improve the quality of life of these children. It is therefore important that all doctors caring for children with Down syndrome are updated with the latest recommendations and are mindful that they should avoid inflicting undue hardships on the family.

Down syndrome (DS) consists of the largest group of children with mental retardation due to a single recognizable syndrome. Once the diagnosis of DS is made (by the paediatrician, neonatologist or family physician), it ushers in a series of investigations for associated medical problems. This is because in this syndrome almost every system or organ in the body needs special attention. Appropriate interventions, if carried out on time, can reduce complications and improve the quality of life of these children. It is therefore important that all doctors caring for children with Down syndrome are updated with the latest recommendations and are mindful that they should avoid inflicting undue hardships on the family. This article presents an age specific preventive medical checklist for use by paediatricians, family physicians and others. Its objective is to improve the health of DS children. The educational aspects have not been included in these guidelines although the care of DS involves families and educators in addition to health professionals. Usually protocols and medical guidelines are the result of deliberations of committees and experts. I have put together here accepted current practices based on standards stipulated by several recognized medical organizations. They reflect recent advances acceptance by the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (UK) and American Academy of Paediatrics in USA. Suitable modifications for local adaptation have been made taking into account availability of expertise and referral pathways. It is hoped that these checklists will constitute a feasible programme of medical care for children and adolescents with DS