Treatment of Down syndrome

Treatment for children born with Trisomy 21 varies depending on the symptoms exhibited by them. Corrective surgery is recommended for children with heart problems. Plastic surgery is helpful to correct physical characteristics thereby allowing them to lead a normal life to some extent. Cognitive development in children having Down syndrome is varied and can be improved by using augmentative and alternative communication methods. Speech therapy is also an option.

Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis of Down syndrome

Down’s syndrome in a fetus can be detected using a screening test or a diagnostic test. Screening tests estimate the risk that a fetus has Down syndrome and diagnostic tests tell you whether the fetus actually has the syndrome. Screening tests include:

•    Nuchal translucency testing
•    The triple screen or quadruple screen
•    Integrated screen.
•    A genetic ultrasound

Diagnostic tests include:

•    Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
•    Amniocentesis
•    Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS).