Other Health Concerns Copy
Video Transcript
Mrs. Brown
When will he have the appointment?
Dr. Young
We can schedule the appointment anytime in the next couple of weeks. There is an excellent pediatric cardiologist we work with and my office will make that referral. Hopefully, we will be able to get the appointment pretty soon, so we can reassure ourselves about Craig’s heart.
Mr. Brown
Will Craig have to be hospitalized?
Dr. Young
No, the pediatric cardiologist can do this on an out-patient basis.. It is a very simple test to do and is not invasive – just like your wife’s ultrasound was. (Pause). Children with Down syndrome can also have problems with their bowels.
Mr. Brown and Mrs. Brown
Yes?
Dr. Young
Just like with his heart, most of the serious problems are apparent right away. Since Craig seems to be doing fine, there is a good chance that he won’t have any bowel problems. We’ll just keep watching him. There isn’t a specific test to do right now to test for that. If he has problems, we may have to do some tests, depending on what kind of problems he’s having. (pause) Those are the two biggest potential problems for Craig right now. Any concerns about that?
Mrs. Brown
I would like to have him see the cardiologist as soon as possible. I am so worried that he might have a problem and we don’t even know it.
Dr. Young
I will tell the receptionist to make the earliest possible appointment. I know it’s impossible to feel entirely comfortable, but Craig is doing so well. Usually, babies who have heart problems don’t do so well.
Mrs. Brown What will his health be like compared to other children?
?Decision Point: What would you say next?
A) We expect that your son will have no additional health considerations than any other child. Of course, we will follow your son along with well child check-ups as we would any child.
Not the best choice, because children with Down syndrome are at greater risks for specific conditions and have special health care guidelines.
B) Your child’s health should generally be good, though of course, each child is an individual. But given what we know about Down syndrome, there are certain things we will need to watch for, like the greater likelihood of digestive problems, and also visual and hearing problems. This is not to say that your son will have any of those things, but they are more prevalent in children with Down syndrome.
A good choice, because while you have reassured the family, you have also pointed out some of the additional health concerns that may have to be addressed.
C) Children with Down syndrome typically have serious health issues that place them at much greater risk than other children. For example, you can expect that your child will probably have significant heart defects at some point in his life, some level of vision and hearing loss, and a much greater likelihood of gastro-intestinal disorders, such as Celiac disease.
Not the best choice, because you cannot assume that the child will have any of these conditions. Children with Down syndrome are just at greater risks for these conditions.