Issue #27 – Cardiac Care of the Adult with Down Syndrome

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About 50% of babies born with Down syndrome will have some form of a congenital heart defect. Congenital heart defects result from disruption of the normal development of the heart chambers, valves and/or arteries in the first three months of pregnancy. These defects are diagnosed by performing a heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Babies with significant heart defects often develop clinical signs and symptoms including a heart murmur, low oxygen level (cyanosis), fast breathing, or difficulty feeding and growing.

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Issue #27 – Preparation is Key

Posted on Posted in All Articles, Down Syndrome and Congenital Heart Defects

Having your child undergo medical testing, invasive procedures, surgery, or other medical interventions can be a very frightening experience for a parent. Even as an adult, these events can induce fear and anxiety; even more so for a child and especially for a child with a disability. Children with Down syndrome often have other medical conditions that require medical attention at various points in their lives.

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Issue #27 – On The Double…

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1. Tell us about your double surprise birth…
On Erev Sukkos, September 22, 2012, 5 minutes before the zman of Yom Tov, after a very challenging, high-risk pregnancy, which was threatened numerous times, our twin boys were born prematurely at 34 weeks. Right after they were born, the NICU team showed the babies to me and I was able to see them briefly before they were whisked away. Weighing approximately 3 pounds each, they were crying and seemed to be doing well. Nothing appeared to be suspicious…yet.

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Issue #27 – Up Syndrome

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Grounds for Divorce – Dovid’s Version

My newly married daughter and son-in-law were at our home. My son-in-law had to leave and my daughter stayed. Dovid asked her where her husband went. She said that he left. Dovid shook his head and said that he’ll find her a new husband. My daughter asked why and he told her that a husband that leaves his wife is not a good husband; he’ll get her a new one!

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Issue #26 – Exploring Different Disabilities – Ari’s Story

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In today’s society, special needs get categorized into disabilities recognized globally. You have autistic kids, kids with Down syndrome, you’ve got cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and cancer. All, commonly heard of with support and community helping these kids. Summer camps devoted to kids with cancer, schools dedicated to autism, and organizations geared specifically for kids with Down syndrome. But what happens to the kids who are what I jokingly (because we need to laugh sometimes) refer to as ‘mixed breeds’? The children who have rare disorders and diseases.

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Issue #26 – Evaluation and Management of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea that Persists after Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

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In my last article, I discussed that although removal of the tonsils and adenoids (T&A) will likely improve the degree or severity of airway obstruction, in children with Down syndrome (DS), it does not always totally cure obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Because of risk of residual obstruction, a sleep study or polysomnogram (PSG) should be done in all children with DS after their T&A. It is important to determine how much residual sleep apnea might still be present in order to determine if further treatment is needed.

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