Treatment and Care for Children with Down Syndrome

Question

What should be done in terms of treatment and care if a newborn is diagnosed with Down syndrome?

Answer

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a disorder caused by chromosomal abnormalities. The direct cause is the failure of normal separation of the 21st pair of chromosomes during oocyte meiosis, resulting in patients having 47 chromosomes, including three copies of chromosome 21. There is currently no cure for Down syndrome, but through long-term education and training, patients can improve their quality of life. Additionally, preventing infectious diseases and other diseases, as well as early use of oral supplements such as vitamin B6, r-tyrosine, and folic acid, can help enhance patient function. For other malformations associated with Down syndrome, surgical correction can be considered.